Everton reportedly reject an strategy from AC Milan for defender Ben Godfrey, with the closing of the switch window simply over 24 hours away.
Everton have rejected an strategy from AC Milan for defender Ben Godfrey with simply over 24 hours left of the January window.
Having been Everton’s fourth-choice central defender this season, Godfrey had solely featured 3 times below Sean Dyche this season earlier than this week.
These appearances got here within the EFL Cup versus League Two Doncaster Rovers, as an injury-time substitute at Sheffield United, and in opposition to Burnley at left-back throughout Everton’s defensive choice disaster in December.
Falling behind the beginning pair of James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite, Godfrey additionally seemingly was under the divisive determine of Michael Keane within the pecking order at Goodison Park.
With numbers dwindling week-by-week within the Everton squad although, Godfrey was drafted into the aspect for his or her conflict with Fulham on Tuesday night as a right-back.
Nathan Patterson‘s type has evidently not impressed Dyche as he dropped to the bench, and the returning Ashley Younger was wanted to fill in on the right-wing.
Like in opposition to Burnley, Godfrey helped Everton to a clear sheet at Craven Cottage, and as soon as once more saved a sure objective with an important last-ditch interception on the again put up.
Godfrey was lauded by pundits, journalists and followers for his efficiency, and it has sparked a dialog that he’s a participant the membership ought to be seeking to maintain in the course of the January window.
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That’s largely attributable to how threadbare the aspect is now that accidents proceed to stack up, as Dyche solely had one senior central midfielder out there to him on Tuesday, with Amadou Onana becoming a member of Abdoulaye Doucoure, Andre Gomes and Dele Alli on the sidelines, whereas Idrissa Gueye is but to return from the Africa Cup of Nations.
With each Younger and Seamus Coleman coming into the twilight of their careers and affected by multiple harm already this season, Godfrey may properly have a future at right-back, particularly after Patterson’s omission from the staff.
Studies final week acknowledged that Milan had been displaying curiosity in Godfrey attributable to his lack of sport time at Everton, as additionally they have a defensive disaster of their very own to resolve.
Nonetheless, Everton’s dependable insider The Bobble claims on social media web site X that the membership have rejected an strategy from the Serie A membership to signal Godfrey earlier than Thursday’s deadline.
It’s believed Godfrey’s versatility is what alerted Milan to examine his availability, because the Rossoneri are quite gentle proper throughout the backline at current.
Milan are set to overlook out on targets reminiscent of Lilian Brassier and Clement Lenglet, and Everton at the moment are unlikely to comply with a deal so late within the window with their squad capability very low.
Godfrey is more likely to be within the Everton beginning XI for his or her conflict with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, ought to a transfer not transpire on deadline day.