Sources: Leeds United submitting second Ben Godfrey offer after Everton reject opening bid
Leeds United have had an initial loan offer for Everton defender Ben Godfrey rejected, sources have told Football Insider.
Football Insider revealed on Saturday (27 January) that Leeds made an official approach to the Merseysiders over a late-window loan deal for Godfrey, 26.
The Whites’ bid has been rebuffed despite Everton’s openness to allowing the centre-back to leave Goodison Park this month.
It is believed Toffees boss Sean Dyche has given the green light for the centre-back to leave as the club look to reduce their wage bill.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Leeds are “still pushing” to land Godfrey and will return with an improved offer in a bid to agree a late deal.
Leeds turned their attention to landing the England international after his move to Serie A side Atalanta collapsed earlier this month due to Italy’s tax break abolishment.
He has played just three times totalling 180 minutes of action in the current season, with Dyche finding a settled side as Everton fight to stave off the threat of relegation.
Godfrey is under contract at Everton until June 2025 and has played 99 times in the Premier League across spells with the Toffees and Norwich.
The 26-year-old, who can play across the backline and in defensive midfield, could become Leeds’ first signing of the mid-season window.
Daniel Farke’s side sit fourth in the Championship and are just two points away from an automatic promotion place.
In other news, expected winner named in Everton race to sign winger.
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