Ben Godfrey close to Everton move after Dortmund make move – sources

Everton defender Ben Godfrey is edging closer to his departure from the club after receiving contract offers from Lyon and Atalanta, sources have told Football Insider.

Football Insider revealed on 16th June that Godfrey wason the verge of leaving Goodison Park after rejecting the latest of several new contract offers from the club.

The 26-year-old now has proposals on the table from French giants Lyon along with Italian outfit Atalanta, both of whom have qualified for European football next season.

Borussia Dortmund have also registered their interest in a deal as the race for the centre-back’s signature hots up.

Pierre Sage’s Lyon have tabled an offer of £12.7m to Everton for Godfrey, who has one year remaining on his existing deal, whilst Atalanta have lodged a bid of £6.7m.

Everton are likely to sell the player before this Sunday, when clubs must declare their accounts for Financial Fair Play purposes.

Everton set to lose Ben Godfrey this week

With Godfrey rejecting a series of contract offers in recent weeks in pursuit of a new challenge [Football Insider, 12 June], Everton could cash in this week.

Whilst losing the defender will hurt Sean Dyche, the fee recouped may allow the Toffees further breathing space to hold onto in-demand assets such as Jarrad Branthwaite.