Leeds United are being linked with a surprise deal for Ben Godfrey this month as he continues to struggle for game time at Everton under Sean Dyche – but he may have doubts over joining Leeds.
Godfrey, 26, has managed just three appearances for The Toffees all season. James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite have limited Godfrey to a place on the bench – and that means he could depart.
Reports earlier this month said that Leeds, Sheffield United and Milan are all interested in signing the £25m Everton addition. A player that Daniel Farke has coached before, and labelled “outstanding”.
But, journalist Graeme bailey has exclusively told LeedsUnited.News that the two-time England man may have doubts about joining us in January – and a step down to the Championship, from the top tier.
Indeed, Bailey also tells us that Tottenham and Newcastle are sniffing while Milan do want to land the defender. The transfer expert makes it clear, though, that Godfrey would be a “fantastic signing” for us.
“Leeds have liked him for a long time and the opportunity is there to strike. He’s someone that can play right-back, too. With Godfrey, there might be a hesitancy on his behalf to drop into the Championship at this stage in his career. He has been on the list at Newcastle, Tottenham, to be a third-choice defender.
“It would be a big call for him to drop down to the Championship. It helps [that Farke managed him]. It is probably why Leeds are in the mix. If it’s that enough to persuade him to put his career on the line. That sounds dramatic – but if he drops out of the Premier League, that could be a sliding doors moment.
“AC Milan. Tottenham, Newcastle sniffing. If he does go to Leeds it will come down to the last few days of the window. They like him, he’d be a fantastic signing. But it depends on whether Leeds can convince him. He respects Leeds, he likes Leeds a lot. Leeds would like to have an option or obligation,” he added.
Graeme Bailey: Ben Godfrey may have doubts about Leeds move
As Bailey says, Godfrey would be a sensational signing. A player that is clearly of Premier League level, but has found his progress interrupted by injury. An England international and is still only aged 26.
To attract the likes of Newcastle, Spurs and Milan, there is clearly a player there. But to tempt him to drop into the Championship at this stage does seem far-fetched. The deadline is coming into view.
If Godfrey does not have anything lined up before the final couple of days then maybe Leeds find there is a chance to lure him to Elland Road – but it is a big if. It does seem Godfrey is set to leave Everton.
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