Everton searches for a substitute for Ben Godfrey while Leeds United looks for a last-minute January deal.
As Leeds United looks to sign Ben Godfrey before the window closes, Everton is reportedly thinking about potential replacements, according to TEAMtalk.
According to an article published by the site on January 30, Sean Dyche is considering making a “surprise” bid for Harry Souttar of Leicester City because he does not want to deplete his team if the defender leaves.
Elland Road and Genoa in Italy are also showing interest in Godfrey, 26, and the Toffee family is reportedly “weighing up” whether to let him go.
Daniel Farke is believed to have made his former Norwich City charge a priority move in an effort to bring in defensive reinforcements before the deadline of February 1st [Football Transfers, 30 January].
While Paul Robinson, a commentator with MOT Leeds News, thinks a deal is imminent and would be a great addition to the team going forward.
In terms of new business, the January window has proven to be unsatisfactory, and Farke runs the risk of leaving it in worse shape than when he arrived following the departures of Luke Ayling and Djed Spence.
The Whites roster, which is full of in-form players who would have otherwise been Premier League transfer risks, has been viewed as benefiting from the general lack of action in the market; nonetheless, the strength of the starting XI is considered as a major obstacle to the club obtaining deals.
Even if there was still time, it doesn’t seem possible that much business could be completed with fewer than 48 hours remaining before the window closes.
However, Godfrey can cover all three defensive positions, has a ton of Premier League experience, and is well-known to Farke, so bringing him in might allay a number of defensive worries at once.
On January 30, he made his debut for Everton in their goalless draw with Fulham. It was only his fourth appearance in all competitions under Sean Dyche, but considering Elland Road’s injury woes, he would undoubtedly see a lot more playing time with Leeds.
While nothing should be taken for granted, the Toffees’ consideration of replacement options would seem to indicate a real chance of making a trade.
Godfrey might be able to offset the departures of Spence and Ayling while offering the additional back-row stability that was required heading into the New Year if Farke signs a single player before the deadline.
In other Leeds United news, Adam Pope thinks the team will profit from the sale of a well-known attacker from Elland Road.
