Pickford link to United and spur.

Sunderland are determined to keep hold of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford following reported interest from Manchester United and Tottenham.

The England Under-21 international has been a long-term target of the Red Devils, who sent scouts to watch him in the Toulon tournament, according to reports in the Daily Star.

Pickford has been touted as a potential long-term replacement for David de Gea, who continues to be linked with a move away from Old Trafford despite the arrival of Jose Mourinho.

United would face a battle for his signature, though, as Tottenham are also believed to be long-term admirers of the 22-year-old.

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce, however, seems keen to hang on to Pickford, who made three appearances in the second half of the season after being recalled from a loan spell.

Pickford has been at Sunderland since the age of eight, and has spent loan spells with the likes of Carlisle United, Bradford City and Preston North End.

He was handed a new four-year contract in January, though, so will push Vito Mannone for the number one jersey in the 2016/17 campaign.