Newcastle United are preparing to spark interest in Everton defender Ben Godfrey, as manager Eddie Howe seeks to improve his defensive options.
Army of Toon signed up to five players into the January transfer window to aid in their battle against relegation. New signings have played a pivotal role in the club’s turn of fortunes under Eddie Howe, with the Magpies now far from the relegation zone and near safe.
Newcastle United also had a look at Ben Godfrey in January but was unable to seal a deal with Everton. The Toffees have had an unfortunate season and are still embroiled in a relegation battle. They have only won Premier League matches since Frank Lampard’s arrival at Goodison Park, which leaves Merseysiders currently 17th at the table.
Godfrey, 24, is among Newcastle’s best summer goals, with Eddie Howe understand Being a huge fan of the defender, who signed for Everton from Norwich City for £25m in the summer of 2020. The England international was recently impressed with Everton’s 1-0 home win over Newcastle United, as Howe came close to see him from the touchline .
The Magpies are expected to take a look to see a deal for Godfrey that could be arranged at the end of the season.
Newcastle United have enjoyed reviving their fortunes over the past month or so, picking up 20 points out of a potential 30. This put them nine points off the drop zone, with five recruits in January making a huge impact on Eddie Howe’s side.
In recent weeks, Magpies has looked a stronger defensive unit than she has been all season. The signings of Dan Byrne, Matt Targett and Kieran Trippier have been instrumental in the team’s much-improved defense, and while Trippier has squandered frequently during his time out with an ankle problem, Emile Kraft has been a very good second-hand in the right-back.
Eddie Howe has managed to stem the flow of goals, but he aims to see his team start keeping more clean sheets.
Wealthy Newcastle are expected to spend the money again in the summer following the takeover from the Saudi consortium, and signing Ben Godfrey from Everton could be a smart way to continue the rebuilding process.
Godfrey is a tall, strong and aggressive center back, blessed with good shifting in speed and aerial ability. He is a no-nonsense defender who is never afraid to go 1v1 with a physically intimidating striker, while his speed allows him to make recovery and get the ball back for his team. In addition, the English player’s versatility in playing at full-back adds even more value to his name.
At the age of 24, Godfrey has the ability to develop further and reach the top of his game. He is in the midst of a relegation battle with Everton, and might be tempted to leave them if a team comes up with an exciting project in the summer.
All in all, Newcastle would be wise to get their hands on the England defender in the summer before any other Everton team saves him.
I’m Rohan Sengupta from India’s busiest city, Mumbai. A journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I cannot live without, writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24/7.
