Ben Godfrey red tape emerges as Leeds United in Everton transfer talks now
Leeds United are in talks with Everton after entering the race for Everton defender Ben Godfrey but will face multiple hurdles, according to Alex Crook.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, the talkSPORT journalist reported [25 January] that the Whites are “definitely” one of the clubs looking at signing Godfrey from Goodison Park but will face competition from several clubs overseas, as well as Sheffield United.
It is understood that, due to the defender only having 18 months left on his contract, the Toffees would prefer a permanent deal for the 26-year-old centre-back rather than a loan deal, unless a contract extension can be agreed on to preserve the player’s value.
“They’re definitely one of the clubs in for Godfrey as are Sheffield United, and I think some overseas clubs,” he said.
“The stumbling block there is that he’s got 18 months left on his deal. So I think ideally, Everton would like to sell him or if they loan him he’s going to have to sign a new contract to protect his value.
“So I think those conversations are happening as we speak.”
Lots of whirring cogs
There seem to be a lot of moving parts in this potential deal, adding much more difficulty to a transfer that Leeds can possibly survive without.
Understandably, Godfrey is frustrated with the lack of minutes at Everton, having only started one Premier League game this season, and appearing as a substitute in one other.
But, there is no certainty that the centre-back would get any more game time at Elland Road, even with their current injury knockback.
Although Daniel Farke’s preferred defensive partnership of Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon has been unavailable, due to the former’s injury, a talented centre-back in Charlie Cresswell has continued to be snubbed, with Ethan Ampadu dropping back from midfield instead.
The Leeds manager is very stuck in his ways. Why wouldn’t he be? It is clearly working, with Leeds just two points off the automatic promotion spots. This, however, would suggest there is no room for Godfrey at Elland Road.
In other Leeds United news, Farke faces a double injury blow in our predicted XI v Plymouth.
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