Sunderland manager David Moyes has revealed he turned down the chance to sign Joe Hart in the summer.
Hart, 28, was linked with a move to Sunderland before eventually joining Serie A side Torino on a season-long loan deal after dropping out of favour under new Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
The England international has endured a mixed campaign since joining Torino and Moyes has now confirmed there was a chance to sign the City goalkeeper but he turned down the opportunity after placing his faith in Jordan Pickford.
“When I arrived, Vito Mannone was probably the No 1 on experience but his injury meant we needed to turn to Jordan and he has stood up to all we’ve asked of him,” Moyes told the Sunderland Echo.
“I could have brought in Joe Hart, we thought he would have been ideal for us, but I had to think of Jordan’s progression too and he hasn’t let us down.“
Pickford’s impressive performances have even earned the 22-year-old a spot in the England squad, where he will watch Hart stand between the sticks against Scotland on Friday from the bench.
Only England teammate Tom Heaton (60) has made more saves in the Premier League this season than Pickford (42).
For more stats on Jordan Pickford, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
