Leeds United are in the market for some new defenders this month and it would appear they have opened talks to sign one.
Though full-backs are almost certainly the priority, Daniel Farke admitted yesterday Leeds will ‘not fall asleep’ on the centre-back market.
Farke is not currently selecting Charlie Cresswell for the squad until he improves his attitude, though the 21-year-old is expected to leave. Pascal Struijk’s injury, meanwhile, is taking longer than expected to recover.
With that in mind, it has emerged in the last few days that Leeds are interested in a deal for Everton’s Ben Godfrey, with Premier League duo Sheffield United and Fulham, as well as AC Milan, also keen.
However, according to Football Transfers, it is Leeds who have opened talks with the Toffees over an initial loan move, with an obligation-to-buy at the end of the season for the 26-year-old.
Leeds open talks to sign Godfrey
The report states that Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United are also admirers of Godfrey, who aside from a start in the win over Burnley last month, has played just one minute of Premier League football all season.
Everton – who have been charged for a second time for breaching profit and sustainability rules – are said to be looking to make a sale on Godfrey before the end of the window.
Godfrey is, of course, well known to Leeds manager Farke, with the two having worked together during their time at Norwich City. Farke rates him highly and once valued him at £50 million.
Godfrey would undoubtedly be an excellent signing for Leeds as he is capable of playing in every position across the back four, having done so on many occasions for Everton. This would be huge given Leeds’ current lack of depth at the back.
Injuries have caused Godfrey’s career to stagnate in the last couple of years but Andros Townsend said back in 2021 he is a player who can go to the ‘very top’, and hopefully Leeds can be the club to get the best out of him, if he joins.
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