Paul Brown shares January update on Ben Godfrey and Michael Keane at Everton
Paul Brown has claimed Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey will not leave Everton in the January transfer window unless it is absolutely necessary.
The former Express journalist claimed after the pair put in strong displays in the 2-0 victory against Burnley, Sean Dyche will be keen to keep them at the club.
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.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT [29 December], Brown shared: “I don’t think either Keane or Godfrey will go unless it’s absolutely necessary. I thought both of them played really well [against Burnley].
“They have both been getting quite a lot of stick from parts of the fan base over the last few months, but when they’re playing with confidence, I think they’re both good defenders.
“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 suggest a move could be on the cards if they wanted to leave in search of those minutes, with Godfrey in particular having been linked with a move to Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham side in what would likely be seen as an opportunity he would not want to miss.
Given the situation and overall strength of the squad at Everton, it seems unlikely they would be willing to lose two backup players in January, but there remains a possibility that a move could be pushed through if it comes to it.
In other Everton news, an injury update has emerged ahead of Wolves.