Interest in the English defender has increased in the previous 24 hours, with the player himself indicating a readiness to go. He favors a move to Italy, despite Atalanta’s original bid of £8.46 million falling short of Everton’s value. Lyon’s arrival has changed the landscape, as the French club has also made a £10 million offer for Godfrey. However, it still falls short of the Toffees’ assessment of £15 million.
It remains to be seen whether Lyon will make another bid for the former England international, who enters the final year of his contract at Goodison Park next month. Godfrey’s chances for Sean Dyche’s club were restricted last season, and he made only 15 Premier League games. During his three years on Merseyside, he has appeared in 93 matches for the club. Selling Godfrey would give Everton a PSR boost before the 30th of June deadline.
Everton star subject of bids after rejecting contract, wants to play alongside Ademola Lookman.
Everton has been one of the busiest teams this summer, but they face a battle to keep some of top players. The Toffees have signed Tim Iroegbunam from Aston Villa, allowing Lewis Dobbin to move in the opposite direction. They have also turned down proposals from Manchester United for Jarrad Branthwaite and Newcastle for Daniel Calvert-Lewin, but neither met Everton’s asking price.
Lyon and Atalanta place bids for Ben Godfrey. Another member of Sean Dyche’s team is sought, and HITC can disclose that the club has received several proposals for defender Ben Godfrey. HITC can confirm that Serie A club Atalanta and French heavyweights Lyon have both made proposals worth around £10 million – but that will not be enough to secure him. According to Goodison Park insiders, Everton would need to raise roughly £15 million before allowing him to depart, which would be done grudgingly. Everton’s hierarchy wants Godfrey to stay and has offered the England international a new contract; however, the player has never been a regular under Sean Dyche and has no plans to commit to the club under the current management.
Everton is set to move Godfrey, who has refused a new agreement. With only 12 months left on his contract, Everton accepts that, like Calvert-Lewin, they will have to sell this summer rather than allowing him to leave for free next summer. According to HITC, both Atalanta, who want Godfrey to play with former Everton prodigy Ademola Lookman, and Lyon are prepared to make revised bids. HITC also knows that a number of Premier League clubs are monitoring Godfrey’s situation as they ponder a move. Both Newcastle and Tottenham held talks with Everton in January, and both are still looking for a defender this summer.
