Dan Carter

Wed 24 January 2024 15:15, UK

Everton defender Ben Godfrey is in talks with Leeds United over an initial loan deal during the January transfer window, according to Jacque Talbot.

The journalist reported via FootballTransfers on Wednesday (24 January) that the out-of-favour Toffees centre-back could be set to join Daniel Farke’s squad on an initial loan switch, with Leeds having an obligation to buy at the end of the season.

Godfrey has also attracted interest from AC Milan this month, while Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is a known admirer of the 26-year-old who continues to be linked with a move away from Goodison Park.

The defender only has 18 months remaining on his contract on Merseyside and Everton are understood to be keen to sell him this month so they can bolster their own funds.

Time to move on

It has been clear for some time that Godfrey is now little more than a spare part at Everton. He has found regular football hard to come by under Sean Dyche and a move away this month would be ideal for all parties involved.

In an ideal world, the Toffees would be able to move him off of their books permanently this month, as funds are incredibly tight at Goodison Park currently, but a loan exit with an obligation to buy may be as good as a deal as they can get.

While the money may not immediately head to Merseyside, Everton will know that they are definitely going to receive a transfer fee come the end of the season which could help them conduct their summer transfer business.

Hopefully, this deal can get over the line and the Toffees will at least be able to move the 26-year-old’s wages off of their books, after all, he’s doing very little to earn his paycheck at the moment as he remains rooted to the substitutes’ bench.

In other Everton news, Paul Brown has shared what could happen should 777 Partners’ Goodison takeover collapse

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