Paul Brown shares January update on Ben Godfrey and Michael Keane at Everton

Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey won’t leave Everton during the January transfer window unless it is absolutely essential, according to Paul Brown.

Following their impressive performances in the 2-0 victory over Burnley, the former Express journalist stated that Sean Dyche would be eager to keep both players on staff.

In that game, the boss reverted to a five-at-the-back formation to incorporate the extra defenders, and Brown suggests the game was evidence that they can still play a role at Goodison Park.

Brown stated to GIVEMESPORT on December 29 that he didn’t believe Keane or Godfrey would go unless it was absolutely essential. In my opinion, they both performed admirably [against Burnley].

“They’ve both received a lot of criticism from some sections of the fan base in recent months, but I believe they’re both competent defenders when they play with confidence.

“Dyche changed it around a little bit just for that game. I think it suited both of them and it found a way to get them in the team and play to their strengths.

“I don’t think there will be issues really with either player and I would expect both of them to still put some good minutes in this season if they’re here for the rest of the year.”

The squad needs depth

While Godfrey and Keane may not be the first names on the team sheet at Goodison Park, they offer experience and strength in depth which isn’t a luxury Everton can afford to lose. Having proved they can still play a role under Dyche, there is no reason to expect them to leave in January.

However, given their lack of game time thanks to the emergence of James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite as the first-choice centre-back partnership, it would not be a surprise if the defenders were angling for more game time.

That would imply that a move would be in the works if they were to go in quest of those minutes. Godfrey, in particular, has been connected to a move to Tottenham under Ange Postecoglou, which would probably be considered as a chance he would not want to pass up.

It seems doubtful that Everton would be willing to lose two backup players in January given the circumstances and general quality of the squad, but if it comes down to it, a transfer might still go through.

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