Newcastle United are planning on resurrecting their interest in Everton defender Ben Godfrey in the summer transfer window, according to a report.
Eddie Howe significantly bolstered his defensive options in the January transfer window following the signings of Kieran Trippier, Matt Targett and Dan Burn.
Although Howe is keen to tie down Fabian Schar to a new contract, another centre-back signing is likely to come through the St James’ Park doors in the summer.
The Mirror reports that the former Bournemouth manager is a ‘big fan’ of Godfrey and the report states that the two-time England international figures highly on the Magpies’ wanted list.
The Toon Army are currently nine points above the relegation places with nine games remaining and look to be itching close to Premier League survival under the stewardship of Howe.
Godfrey’s Premier League status with Everton is a lot less certain, but Alex Iwobi’s 99th-minute winner at Goodison Park on Thursday night against Newcastle was a massive three points for Frank Lampard’s side.
The Toffees signed Godfrey from Norwich City for £25m in October 2020 and his contract doesn’t expire until June 2025.
If the Merseysider’s beat the drop, then it’s very likely that they would want at least double what they paid for the versatile defender.
However, if Lampard’s team do surprisingly get relegated to the Championship then PIF could potentially take advantage of their inevitable financial woes and their struggle to keep hold of their best players, which includes Godfrey.
Godfrey has played in every position across Everton’s defence this season and his versatility could be of a massive appeal to Howe.
Newcastle explored making a move for the pacey defender in January and are expected to test Everton’s resolve in the coming months.
It could well be that Howe sees the speedy Ben Godfrey as a perfect partner for the towering Burn in the heart of Newcastle’s defence.
With Newcastle’s ambitious project likely to crank up a notch in the summer, the York born Godfrey could be tempted to make the lucrative move up north.
Godfrey has earned two caps for England and can also play as a left-back.
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer was impressed by the defender’s performance at left-back for Everton against Arsenal back in December 2020 and described him as “outstanding” on the Premier League website.
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