Former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has revealed he tipped off his old club about Sunderland youngster Jordan Pickford.

Kirkland worked with the England U21 international during a loan spell at Preston North End last season, and revealed he had flagged him up to his former club as a star of the future.

The ex-Reds man told BT Sport: “I told Liverpool to sign him last summer. He will have all of the top clubs looking at him - not just in England, but in Europe as well.

“He definitely won't be there (at Sunderland) next summer. I wouldn't be surprised if he is not there come January."

Kirkland added: “For me, he could be one of the best in the world – he is the best I have worked with, that's for sure.

“He would make saves like that all of the time at Preston. I think he has made the second most saves in the Premier League this season.

“It is really up to him how far he goes, because he has the whole package."