MANCHESTER CITY have lined up Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford as a leading summer target – and are confident of landing the 22-year-old whether the Black Cats retain their Premier League status or not.

City boss Pep Guardiola will sell both Joe Hart and Willy Caballero this summer as part of a wide-ranging overhaul of his current squad at the Etihad Stadium.

Claudio Bravo will remain on the books, but Guardiola wants another goalkeeper to compete with the former Barcelona shot-stopper, and has identified Pickford as a leading option.

Since breaking back into the Sunderland side at the start of the season, Pickford has rapidly established himself as one of the most exciting young goalkeepers in Europe.

He has been involved in the last two senior England squads, and is set to return to Sunderland’s starting line-up against Everton this weekend after completing his recovery from the knee injury that has sidelined him since late December.

Pickford, who was recently named North-East Young Player of the Year at the North-East Football Writers’ Awards, signed a new long-term deal just over 12 months ago, committing him to the Stadium of Light until 2020, but is all-but-certain to leave Wearside if Sunderland are relegated this season.

Even if David Moyes oversees a successful survival push, the Black Cats boss will be keen to raise funds to enable him to make a number of summer signings, and Manchester City officials are confident they can put together a package that will result in Pickford’s departure.

City might not have things their own way though, as Arsenal and Everton are also known to be interested in acquiring Pickford’s services.

Arsenal’s plans are effectively on hold until Arsene Wenger’s future beyond the end of the season becomes clear, but Everton’s recruitment team are working on plans for a summer recruitment drive, with Ronald Koeman known to be a strong admirer of Pickford.

Koeman has been starting with Joel Robles in recent games, but the Dutchman is keen to reinforce his goalscoring ranks this summer and is likely to get an opportunity to watch Pickford at first hand at Goodison Park this weekend.

Having returned from their four-day break in New York at the end of last week, Sunderland’s players will take part in an open training session at the Stadium of Light tomorrow afternoon.

Entry to the training day is free for all fans, with the session due to start at 1pm. Access to the Stadium of Light is available from midday, and entry will be via exit four, which is located in the West Stand, adjacent to the club store.

There will also be music and entertainment, with face-painting and football-themed activities for younger fans, but anyone under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.