Exclusive: Ben Godfrey ‘close’ to signing for Leeds United in late Everton exit
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United …
Paul Robinson believes a Leeds United move for Ben Godfrey is now “close” and he will make a “very, very good” addition to the squad.
The Everton defender has emerged as a Whites target during the January transfer window as Daniel Farke looks to sign a player he knows well from their time together at Norwich City.
With reinforcements needed across the defence before the deadline Robinson is “absolutely” in favour of a move for the 26-year-old, who can provide cover for all of those areas, although he is aware it may be a negative development for youngster Charlie Cresswell if a Godfrey deal is now sealed.
The Toffees man has barely got a game under Sean Dyche this season, featuring only three times in all competitions, while Farke has let Djed Spence and Luke Ayling leave this month and has had injuries to contend with to Junior Firpo, Sam Byram and Pascal Struijk this term, as well as a recent absence for Archie Gray
Robinson exclusively told MOT Leeds News: “I think Godfrey would be a good signing because he can play anywhere across the back four and he can play holding midfield.
“You look at the back four, Struijk’s been out injured for a while now so Liam Cooper came in and played alongside Joe Rodon in the FA Cup at the weekend, and that’s an area that they haven’t got a huge amount of strength in depth.
“You wonder where that would leave Charlie Cresswell if he did come in, but he’s a player with great experience who the manager knows very, very well.
“If what I’m hearing is right I think the deal’s close for him and I think he’d be a very, very good addition. There’s no point in signing players in January just to hoard them when they’re not going to make a difference, but he’s a player who can play in multiple positions.
“He can even play in the problem left-back position that they’ve had all season. Byram played there at the weekend but again it’s been an issue for them.
“He’s a player that I’d like to come into the squad between now and the end of the window, absolutely.”
In other Leeds United news, a Whites approach has emerged for a Serie A defender described as “keen” on Elland Road switch.
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