Moyes hoping Pickford will consider his future at relegated Sunderland

Sunderland boss David Moyes is urging goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to keep the faith with the Black Cats despite their relegation into the Championship.

The Stadium of Light outfit could not beat the drop as their fate was confirmed with a loss to Bournemouth last month – ending their ten-year stay in England’s top flight.

Despite a lack of victories for Sunderland this term, England under-21 international goalkeeper Pickford has been hugely impressive throughout

The 23-year-old is rated at £17million by the club, and while Moyes – whose future at Sunderland was confirmed last week – admits he may not be able to hold on to one of his prized assets, he has told Pickford not to leave for anything other than guaranteed first-team football.

“At the moment, I really wouldn’t know [about Pickford’s future]. Obviously it’s up to the club,” he said.

“If Jordan was to go elsewhere and not be the number one, that wouldn’t be good for him because that would affect his progress.

“You can see what he does for us with the saves he makes. He’s been outstanding from day one.

“I think that would be a telling factor if the alternative was to go and sit on the bench somewhere else.

“If I was Jordan I wouldn’t do that, I’d want to be playing regularly but again Sunderland hold his contract and Jordan can’t go anywhere unless we decide to let it happen.”