Sean Dyche admits Everton recruitment plans are on hold amid takeover uncertainty… but dismisses fears of a fire-sale with Jordan Pickford among the stars linked away

Sean Dyche has not been asked to oversee a fire sale at Everton this summer but acknowledges the club’s recruitment plans have been put on hold until a potential takeover is completed.

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri is waiting for Premier League approval before he can sell to US-based investment group 777 Partners as he questions their ability to finance a deal.

Names such as England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford have been linked with a move away from Goodison Park to raise funds, but Dyche – whose side have escaped relegation despite being six points behind for breaching profit and sustainability rules – will be hoping that situation to prevent.

‘We don’t necessarily have to sell. There are a varied number of things that need to be included in the PSR, it’s not just that scenario,” Dyche said.

“There are some obvious questions that need to be answered, but the new ownership, possibly the new ownership, could change things. We are still waiting for more news.

“Kev [director of football Kevin Thelwell]the staff, everyone is open to signings, because of course we are not completely sure about the financial matters and which way things are going.

‘We take a broad look at what football has to offer you in terms of players, contract situations and everything that comes with it.

“That’s the only thing we can do at the moment, before we go into the summer, which all teams have to do.

‘Not much changes. Of course it will if someone comes along and says, “Here’s an amount.” But most clubs will be open-minded at this stage of the season and plan for different scenarios, and as the season comes to an end they start to narrow down what they can move forward with. That’s what we’re going to do. Nothing is set in stone at this time.”

He also insisted Pickford had shown no indication of wanting to leave Everton.

‘I think he’s really happy here. “When I speak to him it seems like he’s got his family life sorted out, he’s settled in as part of the Everton structure,” Dyche added.

‘That is an important factor. He is still England’s number 1. He’s in a healthy place for himself and I think his life is meeting his professional life. There is always a balance.

‘If players have arranged their lives well and are at the club, that is a very good situation, and I think so for sure.’

Dyche has made several headlines by appearing in a music video released Wednesday by rock band Blossoms called What Can I Say (After I’m Sorry)

“They just said, are you coming to play this role and I just said, ‘Of course.’

“We had a bit of fun with it, they just asked me to do something specific. The premise is that I send them on a mission, they have a few accidents along the way and I remind them that they better get the job done.

“I’m glad it’s gotten some positive attention. Tom, the singer, just messaged me and said, ‘Listen, it’s been positively received at this stage’ and I think this is Radio 1’s record of the week.

‘It’s a good tune, that helps. For someone who is a big music and gig fan, it was very pleasant and fun to be asked to perform in it.’

Dyche, who will have strikers Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto available again at Luton on Friday, has confirmed he will stick with his ‘lucky tracksuit’ at Kenilworth Road.

The Everton boss ditched his suit after a 6-0 defeat at Chelsea and has since seen his team win three games in a row, all with clean sheets.

‘My mother wasn’t too happy about it, she prefers me to wear a suit, but for now we’re winning, so the tracksuit stays!’