Sources: Ben Godfrey to stay at Everton as Leeds United deal collapses
Ben Godfrey will be staying at Everton past the transfer deadline despite interest and offers from Leeds United and other clubs, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed Godfrey, 26, is happy to stay at Goodison Park after being restored to the side against Fulham on Tuesday (30 January) and receiving assurances from manager Sean Dyche.
Leeds United were one of the sides interested in taking the versatile defender away from Everton in the mid-season window – but that deal has now collapsed following extensive talks with the England international set to remain a Toffees player.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (29 January) that Leeds saw an initial loan offer for Godfrey rejected after interest throughout January.
Serie A side Genoa had also held an interest in the ex-Norwich star, who saw a move to Italian side Atalanta fall through earlier in the window due to changes in tax rules.
Godfrey has made just four appearances across all competitions this season but now looks set to remain an Everton player for the rest of the 2023-24 campaign.
Just one of those outings have come as part of the starting lineup – his performance at right-back for the 0-0 draw against Fulham on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old is under contract at Everton until June 2025 and has now played 100 times in the Premier League across spells with the Toffees and Norwich.
Leeds United have now been forced to turn their attention to other targets as they vie to improve their defence before the 11pm deadline on Thursday (1 February).
Football Insider has revealed on Thursday that Daniel Farke’s side are exploring a last-gasp move for Leicester City defender Harry Souttar.
Godfrey and Everton sit inside the relegation zone with 16 games remaining of the Premier League season.
In other news, major update on Everton agreeing last-gasp winger deal.
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