Everton transfer news: Club wants Ben Godfrey as issue emerges on ‘favourite’ Clement Lenglet at Aston Villa
Ben Godfrey is a transfer option for AC Milan thanks to his lack of playing time at Everton, according to Calcio Mercato.
The Italian outlet reported via their website on 21 January that the defender is being eyed as an affordable alternative to Aston Villa’s Barcelona loanee Clement Lenglet.
The Frenchman is said to be the “favourite” of the Rossoneri hierarchy but his high salary is considered a substantial obstacle to getting a deal done.
However, with Godfrey having played just three times for Sean Dyche this season and his contract due to expire at the end of next season he has emerged as a possible “low-cost” signing in the January transfer window as Milan chase defensive reinforcements.
The Serie A giants were said to be interested in the forgotten Everton man prior to his switch to Goodison Park from Norwich in 2020.
Worthwhile?
It has to be said that Godfrey is providing little more than peace of mind in the Everton squad these days, with just one start and one late substitute appearance to show for his impact in the Premier League this term.
The 26-year-old is a very capable defender but absent injury or suspension he has virtually no hope of getting a game at his preferred centre-back spot under Dyche when James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite are available.
Fans might prefer him to be bumped ahead of Michael Keane in the pecking order but the manager clearly also prefers his former Burnley charge.
After recovering from a broken leg last season it feels like Godfrey has never quite convinced Dyche, and aside from a run at both full-back spots when the Toffees boss seemed particularly reticent to use either Nathan Patterson or Vitalii Mykolenko he has rarely got a look in.
He can provide suitable cover in an emergency on either side of the back line but he is certainly less comfortable there than in the middle.
So if there were any reasonable money at all on offer it might be something that the club feel is worth considering, especially in light of the ongoing financial pressures, rather than face him leaving for next to nothing in future windows.
But if Milan or any suitor is hoping Godfrey will be an absolute steal, or a loan without an obligation attached, it may not be financially worthwhile to take the risk of being caught short over the second half of the season.
In other Everton news, a Toffees exit has been lined up after a Chelsea player missed training on Sunday morning.
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