Jordan Pickford has already made his Everton future stance clear amid Tottenham’s interest

It was a sight that would have had Jordan Pickford bursting with pride.

Sure, his reaction was composed, with a clap above his head acknowledging the gesture that adorned the Gwladys Street end.

But to see himself recognised, with the banner of his image, along with Everton and England No.1, didn't go unnoticed. He'd have relished every moment gazing at that.

Things haven't always been easy for Pickford on Merseyside since his £25 million arrival from Sunderland in 2017.

There have been plenty of ups and downs, several errors and he’s faced heated flak from supporters at times.

It's been some journey alright, but Pickford's overcome all of the adversity he's faced.

He's now established himself as a fans’ favourite on Merseyside. What’s more, he’s firmly England's first-choice stopper, having almost been the hero in the Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy when saving two penalties in the shootout.

And his hurtling progress and eye-catching displays supposedly mean he's coveted by Antonio Conte as he begins his Tottenham revolution.

According toThe Telegraph, the Italian has identified Pickford as 34-year-old Hugo Lloris' successor in the capital.

That's a huge compliment to Pickford in its own right given how much emphasis Conte has put on having the right goalkeeper during his highly successful managerial career.

If Everton were to sell, they'd rightly want to make a substantial profit on Pickford, who has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract.

Given his Three Lions deputy Aaron Ramsdale went to Arsenal for £30 million on the back of relegation with Sheffield United during the summer., Pickford would rightly warrant a higher fee.

However, a pursuit from Spurs could well prove futile. Not only would Rafa Benitez likely want to keep Pickford at Goodison Park, but the stopper's recent comments also suggest he's more than happy where he is.

Speaking to the club's website earlier this week, he said: “For me, Everton is the People's Club and there's huge passion that comes with that.

“That's what I thrive off - seeing the fans having a good time.

“It's what makes me hate losing so much as well, because, obviously we're losing as individuals and as a team but we're also losing for them.

"When I'm out on the pitch and I'm shouting, it is just passion. It's not negative vibes - it's about being positive and trying to help my team-mates, to give them that motivation and be determined.

“If I didn't have that passion and desire to win, then what's the point in playing football?

“I'm not going to be sat there like laid-back Luke. I've got to have that emotion, controlled emotion, desire and maturity on the pitch.”

You can never say never in football when it comes to transfers. Often, various facets dictate a player moving on.

But judging the current situation, Pickford and Everton seem to be a perfect match.