Everton are looking forward to a brighter future, having seemingly now overcome their early-season slump.
It was frustrating for fans to watch limp home defeats to the likes of Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers, but Sean Dyche pleaded with fans to keep the faith, and that things were on the right track.
The former Burnley boss has since been vindicated, with recent form having picked up exceptionally.
Claiming four points from their last two Premier League fixtures against good opposition, as well as progressing in the cup, was as good a week as Evertonians could have hoped for, with a well-earned break now until the team go again on Saturday.
However, such a turnaround has not stopped from Kevin Thelwell from continuing to plan for the future, with reports continuing to emerge of their interest in exciting youngsters.
Having been linked with Croatian talent Anton Matkovic just last week, journalist Alan Nixon has now suggested they could now make a move closer to home, speaking to his Patreon.
He would note: ‘Everton are checking on Wigan’s exciting young keeper Sam Tickle as they look for the next Jordan Pickford.
‘Sean Dyche has sent spies to run the rule over the Latics youngster who is in his breakthrough season. The Toffees are in the market for a rising star who could eventually fill England number one Pickford’s gloves.
‘Tickle, 21, has also attracted attention from other clubs but Everton could come in for him if they can find the funds.’
Who is Sam Tickle?
Having spent the bulk of his youth at the DW Stadium, to be released in 2018 could have marked a finishing blow for his career.
However, the 21-year-old shot-stopper has only risen to the challenge further, shining for a year with Merseyside club Pilkington before earning a new contract with the Latics.
Since then he has enjoyed two short loan spells, before boldly displacing Ben Amos to kickstart the new League One campaign.
It is a testament to his maturity, which belies his youth, that the youngster has shone across 15 league clashes, averaging 3.3 saves per game at a success rate of 71%. Should he maintain such form, for a side admittedly struggling in their division, there is every reason to suggest he could come to Goodison Park and occupy an understudy role.
Learning from Pickford, who has grown into a key contributor for both club and country, could help fast-track Tickle’s development, who will surely be key to learn from the 29-year-old.
After all, Everton took a big chance on him after his relegation with Sunderland, offloading £30m to bring him in. Perhaps another show of faith in the young keeper marooned in League One could reap similar rewards.
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