Ben Godfrey has turned down offers to extend his Everton contract amid speculation he may leave the club this summer, according to HITC.
The outlet said on their website (11 June) that the English defender is sought in Serie A, with two Italian giants, AC Milan and Roma, reportedly vying for his services after Lloyd Kelly turned them down.
The Bournemouth defender is expected to transfer to Newcastle, with a physical scheduled for this week, in a deal that will “pave the way” for Godfrey to leave Goodison Park.
Milan and Roma reportedly sought to derail Kelly’s move, but he had already given his word to Newcastle manager Eddie Howe.
Godfrey has a year left on his current Toffees contract, having joined from Norwich for £25 million four years ago [BBC Sport], and with Atalanta also interested in signing him, he might go for a far lesser price this summer [talkSPORT, 4 June].
Jarrad Branthwaite also in demand from Everton defence
Godfrey’s departure would be a setback to the club, particularly because he is a strong player who can give cover across the back line for Sean Dyche.
However, it is not surprising that he is interested in a move since that he has fallen down the pecking order at centre defender, with Jarrad Branthwaite, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, and Conor Coady all preferring to play in the middle.
A broken leg two seasons ago certainly held him back, but he has been a willing option for Dyche at both full-back positions as the manager has shown a lack of faith in Nathan Patterson and Vitalii Mykolenko at times.
But Godfrey, 26, doesn’t look especially comfortable out wide and would surely prefer to get a look in centrally.
Given Branthwaite’s strong demand, with Manchester United appearing to be at the top of a lengthy list of suitors, a spot in the starting lineup could be available.
It would undoubtedly be a lot greater disappointment for Everton to lose the star kid this summer, but if Godfrey went within the same window, the problem would be exacerbated greatly.
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