Leeds United’s pursuit of Everton star Ben Godfrey looks as if it is going to enter the final 48 hours of the window with Leeds hell-bent on his arrival – and Leicester City now hold the key to a deal.
The latest updates in the move for the two-time England star are that Daniel Farke is still really pushing to sign his former player, one he described as “outstanding”. Leeds are set to make a second offer.
It is also claimed that Everton may now be willing to send Godfrey on loan, after coming close to selling to Serie A side Atalanta for £10m this month. But it may come down to Everton signing a replacement.
A report from TeamTalk says that Everton will only let Godfrey go if they can bring in another central defender. That is where Leicester come in – with the Toffees eyeing Australia international Harry Souttar.
Souttar, 25, only joined Leicester 12 months ago after starring for Australia at the World Cup in Qatar. But his time at Leicester has not gone as well as he would have liked. Just four appearances this season.
Why Leicester hold the key to Leeds signing Ben Godfrey
He has fallen down the pecking order behind Wout Faes, Jannik Vestergaard and summer signing Conor Coady. He will be desperate to go before the deadline, and TeamTalk say Everton are keen on Souttar.
He is the kind of centre-back Sean Dyche would normally go after. Excellent in the air at 6ft 5in, he is a player that has scored 10 goals for Australia in 21 caps. So, it is up to Leicester and if they want to sell.
With Leeds a direct rival in the race for promotion, Leicester will be aware that sanctioning a move for Souttar will see Leeds strengthen in the signing of Godfrey – if indeed, Leeds can strike a deal for him.
But with Souttar and Godfrey struggling for game time, you would imagine they will be on the move before the deadline. If Leicester give the green light for Souttar to go, Leeds can then sign Godfrey.
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