'˜Exceptional talent' Jordan Pickford has bright future at Sunderland

England Under-21 international Pickford has impressed in his first two outings for his hometown club after the 21-year-old was handed his chance at Spurs and Arsenal, following his return from Championship Preston earlier this month.

Pickford’s previous contract at Sunderland was due to expire in 2018, but he has now penned fresh terms in a two-year contract extension.

Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce said: “Jordan is an exceptional talent, who has already demonstrated that he is comfortable playing at the highest level.

“At the tender age of just 21, which is still very young in goalkeeping terms, there is still a lot more potential for development, which is really exciting for us.

“It’s always great to see a local lad progress through the academy ranks, especially for our fans and I am certain that Jordan has a very bright future ahead of him here at Sunderland.”

Pickford joined Preston on a season-long loan last summer and he kept 13 clean sheets in 27 appearances during the first half of the campaign, to establish himself in the England U21 side.

That form saw the Washington-born stopper attract attention from the likes of Manchester United and Spurs.

But Sunderland activated the recall clause in Pickford’s loan at the start of the transfer window and he is now competing with Vito Mannone for the number one spot after the departure of Costel Pantilimon to Watford.