Daniel Farke, the manager, is aware of an earlier reported target that Leeds United may revisit.
Ben Godfrey was reportedly courted by Leeds United in January, and it has been reported that the defender has turned down several offers from Everton to extend his contract.
This summer, Godfrey’s current contract will expire, forcing the cash-strapped Merseyside club to make a crucial choice. The management at Goodison Park will have to make a move before the upcoming season or face losing the defender for nothing in a year. That kind of financial blow would be disastrous for a team that is already struggling to meet profitability and sustainability regulations (PSR).
Godfrey, 26, will enter the final year of his contract after declining several offers, according to Football Insider. Everton had been hoping to tie him down at some point over the last few months. They also mention that the adaptable defender is still a target for big European teams AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund, who have both had a long-standing interest in him.
Milan and Leeds were both heavily linked with a move for Godfrey in January but Everton opted to keep him at Goodison Park, with the two-capped England international going on to feature regularly as his side avoided relegation. After enjoying a rare spell of regular fitness, he started 12 of the last 17 games at full-back.
Interest from Milan has resurfaced in recent reports, with Dortmund also thought to have entered the race with the potential of a cut-price deal due to the contract situation. There has not yet been any suggestion of rekindled interest from Leeds but news of contract refusals could encourage those in charge at Elland Road to have a look. Get Inside Elland Road with Graham Smyth – the new newsletter packed with original, in-depth Leeds writing for less than £1 a week
Godfrey is well-known to Leeds boss Daniel Farke, having played some of his best football under the German at Norwich City. And the versatile defender, who can operate comfortably at centre-back or full-back, would present a great option for a team in Leeds who will need to prioritise defensive reinforcements.
