Everton boss Sean Dyche is demanding Jordan Pickford's new contract be made a priority.

Dyche believes Pickford, 28, must stay as No 1 at Goodison — despite interest in him and his current contract ending in 2024, says The Sun.

Pickford has not been offered a rise from his £5million-a-year terms — but Dyche is keen for his money men to deliver the deal he wants.

The Toffees will have to stay up before anything can be formalised.

Everton boosted those hopes with a 1-0 win against Premier League leaders Arsenal last week.

A source said: "Jordan wants to stay at Everton.

"He loves the place, and is settled in the area he lives. But the club is not willing to meet the wage increase he is asking for.

"The player and his agent have asked Bill Kenwright and the board to at least meet them halfway.

"But the club is only willing to offer him a few thousand a week more than he's currently earning.

"The big problem they have is, of course, the fact that relegation is looming over their heads.

"It means they can't be budgeting for big wage increases when they might be in the Championship in 12 months time.

"Despite the risk of going down, Jordan is still willing to commit his future to the club now."