Exclusive: Ipswich Town in pole position to sign Ben Godfrey, eight clubs in race
Ipswich Town are leading the chase to sign Atalanta defender Ben Godfrey, sources have told Football Insider.
Up to eight clubs are understood to have already contacted the Serie A club to enquire about taking Godfrey on loan, with the ex-Norwich City man only moving to Italy in the summer after leaving Everton on a free transfer.
But the 26-year-old has struggled for game time, making just five Atalanta appearances this term across all competitions, and just one in the league.
Sources with knowledge of the situation have indicated to Football Insider that he is now subject of a wide race to secure his services in the January transfer window.
Godfrey is understood to favour a move to Ipswich having been impressed by the plans of Kieran McKenna after having talks with the Northern Irishman.
Landing the two-cap former England international would be a massive coup for the Tractor Boys given it would involve beating off interest from so many rival suitors.
Ben Godfrey due Premier League return at Ipswich soon after Everton exit
If Godfrey completes the move it would see him return to England on the opposite side of the Old Farm rivalry, having made 78 appearances for the Canaries before making a £20million move to Goodison Park in 2020 [Sky Sports].
Ipswich have struggled on their return to the Premier League following a stunning rise from League One under McKenna, who has been backed in the face of sack pressure this season by his club.
But a first home win of the season against Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea on 30 December has raised hopes that the promoted side have turned a corner.
The 2-0 at Portman Road took the side up to 18th, one point adrift of Wolves outside the relegation zone.
Striker Liam Delap, 21, scored his seventh Premier League goal of the campaign in that game and his form has attracted transfer interest from the Blues and former side Man City.
In other news, Man City have been given encouragement in their bid to sign Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala.
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