Everton consider Ben Godfrey replacements as Leeds United chase 11th-hour January signing
Everton are now considering possible replacements as Leeds United look to sign Ben Godfrey before the window shuts, according to TEAMtalk.
The outlet reported on 30 January that a “surprise” move for Leicester City’s Harry Souttar is being looked at as one of the options with Sean Dyche not wanting to weaken his squad if the defender is to leave.
The Toffees are said to be “weighing up” whether to let Godfrey, 26, leave amid interest from Elland Road and Genoa in Italy.
Daniel Farke is looking to land defensive reinforcements before the 1 February deadline and is thought to have made his former Norwich City charge a priority deal [Football Transfers, 30 January].
While MOT Leeds News pundit Paul Robinson believes a deal is on the cards and feels it would be a very strong addition to the squad for the rest of the season.
Clock ticking
The January window has proved to be a frustrating one in terms of incoming business and Farke is at risk of leaving it weaker than how he came in after the exits of Djed Spence and Luke Ayling.
The general lack of activity in the market has been highlighted as a positive for a Whites squad filled with in-form stars who might otherwise have been Premier League move risks, with the strength of the starting XI seen as a key barrier to the club landing deals.
With less than 48 hours now left before the window shuts it seems unlikely that extensive business could now be concluded even if it was available.
But a move for Godfrey has the potential to address various fears in defence in one go as he can cover across the back line and has plenty of Premier League experience, as well as familiarity with Farke.
He started Everton’s goalless draw against Fulham on 30 January in what was only his fourth appearance under Sean Dyche this season in all competitions, but given injury concerns at Elland Road would surely be in line for far more game time with Leeds.
It can’t be taken for granted but if the Toffees are considering replacement options then it would suggest there is a genuine possibility of doing a deal.
If Farke signs a single player ahead of the deadline Godfrey might be one who could balance the departures of Spence and Ayling while providing the peace of mind elsewhere at the back that was needed coming into the New Year.
In other Leeds United news, Adam Pope believes the club are going to make money on the sale of a high-profile Elland Road attacker.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.