Howard convinced Pickford will be Toffees superstar

All the attention may be on Wayne Rooney’s return to Everton but former Toffees goalkeeper Tim Howard believes another man could prove to be their signing of the summer – Jordan Pickford.

Goalkeeper Pickford moved to Goodison Park from relegated Sunderland earlier this summer for £25million, potentially rising to a club-record fee of £30m.

The 23-year-old shone for a dismal Black Cats side last term and could nail down the Everton no.1 jersey for the next decade-plus.

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The last man to do that was American Howard, who made 414 Toffees appearances during a 10-year stay that ended last summer, and the 38-year-old is convinced the club have signed a gem of a player.

“As someone who has worn that shirt for a long time, I’m proud to have Jordan on board,” said Howard, who now plays for Colorado Rapids in the MLS.

“Any time a player signs with a big price tag, people are looking out to see what is going to happen next but he’s shown already he has all the ability in the world.

“Knowing what I know about the club, he will be given time to settle in and find his feet. Talent-wise, he has got it all – he’ll be a great custodian for Everton. I like his movement, his ability to get about the goal and spring around.

“In a very tough season for Sunderland, he seemed unfazed which, for a young guy, is very good. He was probably their player of the season and that’s a tough thing to achieve when you get relegated.

“I think he has got the mettle to handle the ups and downs of the Premier League.”