Journalist: Everton player looks for January exit as definite ‘truth’ emerges
Dean Jones shares Everton transfer update on Tottenham interest in Ben Godfrey
Dean Jones has shared an update on Tottenham’s interest in Ben Godfrey, suggesting that it is genuine but no deal has yet been reached with Everton.
The 25-year-old has made only one appearance for Sean Dyche’s side this season, coming off the bench for one minute of Premier League action in September and is expected to depart Goodison Park when the January transfer window opens.
Ange Postecoglou’s side are one team interested in the Toffees defender and while Godfrey is eager to move away from Merseyside, the move hasn’t progressed past initial interest yet.
As quoted by Give Me Sport (14 December) he said: “Yes, there is definitely truth to it. Ben Godfrey is looking for opportunities to move and Tottenham are certainly one of the clubs that are looking at that deal. I’d heard a while back that they were looking at Lloyd Kelly but that deal is so difficult to do now.
“I just don’t think that Kelly one is going to happen. With that in mind, I think Godfrey does become more of an option. There are other possibilities here too and we have to consider that Tottenham are changing the model and the way that they look at signings.
“So I don’t think this is done or anything. But in terms of whether those rumours are true, I do believe them to be.”
Nothing but interest
It seems as though Tottenham do have a genuine interest in signing Godfrey this summer, but it remains to be seen whether or not Spurs turn that interest into a genuine bid to give Everton a decision to make.
The 25-year-old may have barely played in the Premier League so far this season, but he looks set to be called upon when the Toffees face Burnley on Saturday 16 December. Suspension has revealed the lack of defensive depth in Dyche’s side and he is arguably Everton’s third-best centre-back.
When fit and available James Tarkwoski and Jarrad Branthwaite will always start for the Toffees, but should either of them be lost to injury, it becomes a straight shootout between Michael Keane and Godfrey to step up.
If Tottenham pay a reasonable fee, Everton will have to allow Godfrey to depart Goodison in January, but Dyche may have to look for a new backup option for the remainder of the season otherwise the Toffees boss may leave himself short of options.
