Exclusive: Everton finalising blockbuster signing after late-night London talks

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02 Oct 2020, 1:45 am

Everton are finalising the blockbuster signing of Norwich City defender Ben Godfrey after holding late-night talks in London, Football Insider has been told.

The Merseysiders' have agreed a fee with Norwich for the defender of £25million rising to a potential £30m with add-ons.

The site exclusively revealed Everton's interest in the centre-back at the start of this week and broke the news that they were then preparing a formal bid of around £25m.

An Everton source has told Football Insider that they have not yet agreed personal terms with Godfrey.

Discussions were taking place with the player's agents in London last night and are set to continue this morning.

Carlo Ancelotti's side hope to finalise the deal ahead of the weekend after making the England Under-21 international their top target in the final days of the summer window.

Fulham have also been keen on Godfrey but had an approach to the Championship club knocked back.

Everton have not been put off by Daniel Farke's reluctance to sell the centre-back he regards him as vital to the club's hopes of returning to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

The combination of Everton's ambition, a team on the up and the opportunity to play for Ancelotti has proved enough for Godfrey.

Everton have moved for a new senior centre-back despite winning all three of their Premier League matches this season with Michael Keane and Yerry Mina at the back.

Godfrey has started all three of Norwich's Championship matches this season and was a mainstay of their side last season as they were relegated from the top flight.

In other Everton news, Alex McLeish says fans favourite will be gone by Monday night's transfer deadline .

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