Leeds United are in negotiations with Everton after entering the market for Everton defender Ben Godfrey, but they will face numerous challenges, according to Alex Crook.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, the talkSPORT journalist revealed [25 January] that the Whites are “definitely” one of the clubs hoping to sign Godfrey from Goodison Park, but will face competition from numerous clubs overseas, including Sheffield United.
It is understood that, due to the defender having only 18 months left on his contract, the Toffees would prefer a permanent deal for the 26-year-old centre-back rather than a loan arrangement, unless a contract extension can be agreed upon to maintain the player’s worth.
“They’re definitely one of the clubs in for Godfrey as are Sheffield United, and I think some overseas clubs,” he went on to say.
“The stumbling issue there is that he has 18 months left on his contract. So I believe Everton would prefer to sell him, and if they loan him, he will be required to sign a new contract to protect his value.
“So I think those conversations are happening as we speak.”
Lots of spinning cogs.
There appear to be many moving factors in this potential deal, complicating a transfer that Leeds may be able to survive without.4
Godfrey is understandably disappointed with his lack of playing time at Everton, having started only one Premier League game this season and appeared as a substitute in another.
However, even with their present injury setback, there is no guarantee that the centre-back will play again at Elland Road.
Leeds United
Although Daniel Farke‘s preferred defensive pairing of Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon has been unavailable owing to the former’s injury, Charlie Cresswell, a talented centre-back, has continued to be overlooked, with Ethan Ampadu sliding back from midfield instead.
The Leeds manager is pretty set in his ways. Why shouldn’t he be? It is definitely working, as Leeds is only two points away from automatic promotion.
This, however, implies that there is no room for Godfrey at Elland Road.
In other Leeds United news, Farke faces a double injury setback in our anticipated XI against Plymouth.
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