Sources: Everton defender Ben Godfrey in line for last-gasp Leeds United move after rare start vs Fulham
Ben Godfrey is closing in on a move that would see him leave Everton before the close of the January transfer window, Goodison News has learned.
Interest from Leeds United emerged via Calcio Mercato on 21 January with the 26-year-old’s former Norwich City boss Daniel Farke now in charge there.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein added on 25 January that an approach had been made from Elland Road although there was still some distance between the two sides, but it appears the gap is closing as the deadline approaches.
Godfrey has fallen out of favour under Sean Dyche at Goodison Park and made only his fourth appearance in all competitions across the season so far with a start in the goalless draw with Fulham on 30 January.
He featured at right-back but is essentially fourth choice at his favoured centre-back spot, behind regular starters James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite, as well as Michael Keane.
Leeds United on the other hand have a need for cover across the defensive line this month, as Farke contends with injury concerns and exits earlier in the window.
A renewed offer from the Whites to bring the Everton man in before the deadline is reportedly on the cards and a source with close links to the English club has told Goodison News that a deal for Godfrey is believed to be advanced.
Both sides have up until 11pm on 1 February to get an agreement over the line before the January window closes.
Goodison News has also been told that Godfrey’s versatility in being able to play at centre-back and both full-back spots makes him a particularly strong option for Leeds this month and a move to Elland Road is now “close”.
Full-back is where the Englishman has got most opportunities since Dyche took over from Frank Lampard last season, with a run of starts through March and April.
But the addition of Ashley Young in the summer and the form of Vitalii Mykolenko have contributed to very little action this season for Godfrey at all, whose Toffees contract expires at the end of next season.
It appears a Leeds switch is in the offing to potentially give him more minutes in the Championship, if the two sides can get it over the line in the next 48 hours.
In other Everton news, the Toffees have lined up a surprise move to replace the exit-bound man.
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