Everton FC is looking for defenders and it appears they have singled out one from Norwich City. The Toffees have made a $26 million offer for the Ben Godfrey, including $8 million in add-ons.
Previously, it was Fikayo Tomori of Chelsea FC that was the target of Everton. The Toffees were working on a loan spell to bring the 22-year-old Canadian but it appears negotiations have stalled. The Blues are still dealing with the future of Antonio Rudiger who has been linked to a possible loan deal to Tottenham, The Evening Standard reported. However, the 27-year-old needs to sign a one-year contract extension first with the Blues.
Aware that the transfer deadline is fast approaching, Everton is shifting its attention to Godfrey. The 22-year-old has been with the Canaries since 2015, arriving from York City. He started with 12 appearances in League Two and was part of the U-23s and was sent on loan at Shrewsbury Town. He had 51 appearances in his one-season spell in League One, Goal reported.
However, it was during the 2018-19 season where Godfrey started to shine. He scored four goals in 36 games at Canares, something that rewarded him with a Premier League promotion. Unfortunately, Norwich City suffered relegation last season though Godfrey stood out. He made 33 appearances and was also featured in the Championship that season.
As of this writing, it remains to be seen if the deal will be sealed soon. The deadline is on Oct. 5 with multiple clubs scampering to get deals done to fill in key positions. That could happen soon, depending on how the medical of Godfrey turns out.
"Whoever signs Ben can be happy. It's no coincidence he's played for England U21s. It will be a record fee for Norwich City, so that says a lot about his potential," Norwich boss Daniel Farke said to Sky Sports.
For Tomori, his status is touch-and-go. Though he needs to wait and see what will happen to Rudiger, a move out of Stamford Bridge is expected.
Tomori has fallen down the pecking order. His chances got even dimmer when the Blues took in Thiago Silva from Paris Saint-Germain. Tomori was not used towards the end of last season and his chances of getting a shot are not looking so good.
So far, The Toffees have added James Rodriguez and Allan. Rodriguez was acquired from Real Madrid for roughly $26 million. The deal also reunited him with Carlo Ancelotti, the third time the two of them will work together.
