Everton defender Ben Godfrey subject of interest from Tottenham and Newcastle

Everton defender Ben Godfrey has emerged as a transfer target for Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United ahead of the January transfer window.

The English centre-back, 25, has dropped down the pecking order at Everton this season, with Sean Dyche preferring the likes of James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite and Michael Keane ahead of him. Branthwaite, enjoying his breakout campaign, is starting to form a strong partnership with Tarkowski in central defence, meaning Ben Godfrey has had to be patient for his opportunities on the bench.

Godfrey has managed just one minute of Premier League action so far this term, coming off the bench late on in Everton’s 2-2 draw with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. As such, the two-cap England international wants to revive his floundering career and the Toffees are willing to listen to offers for him in January.

Tottenham and Newcastle—who are both looking to bring in defensive reinforcements during the winter window—have reportedly been keeping tabs on Godfrey’s situation at Goodison Park, while the Everton outcast is also wanted by Burnley, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace. Scottish giants Rangers are interested in the versatile defender as well.

Spurs, and Newcastle interested in Ben Godfrey

Both Spurs and Newcastle could take a dip in the transfer market for defensive reinforcements owing to injuries to key players.

Micky van de Ven has been a pivotal part of Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs side since joining from Wolfsburg in the summer, but he limped off with a serious hamstring injury against Chelsea and is set for an extended period on the sidelines. While the Dutchman will not require surgery, he is unlikely to play again this year. This leaves Postecoglou with only Cristian Romero and Eric Dier as the only fit senior centre-backs in the squad.

As for Newcastle, injuries to Sven Botman and Dan Burn have stretched Eddie Howe’s defensive options in the squad. Jamaal Lascelles has deputised well in the injury absence of Botman, but with the Magpies participating in the Champions League this term, they need more strength in depth in that position.

As a result, Ben Godfrey becomes a viable option for both Spurs and Newcastle. He is not part of Dyche’s long-term plans at Everton, with Branthwaite, Tarkowski and Keane preferred ahead of the 25-year-old in central defence. Despite his lack of game time, the 25-year-old is not expected to be short of offers if he decides to leave Everton, and Spurs and Newcastle are ready to battle it out for his signature.

As things stand, it appears Godfrey’s time at Goodison Park could be coming to an end in the New Year.