- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Atalanta are confident that Everton defender Ben Godfrey will choose a move to Bergamo over any other side this summer.
Sean Dyche’s Everton are in for a busy summer with the club seemingly needing to make money by the end of June to comply with profit & sustainability rules a factor for the club.
Manchester United have agreed terms with Jarrad Branthwaite but saw their opening offer for the English defender turned down with the Toffees seeking around £70 million to sell.
HITC confirmed that Everton had received multiple offers for the signature of defender Ben Godfrey this summer, with Atalanta one of the sides keen.
Lyon and Atalanta make bids but Italian side have the edge
As HITC confirmed, Atalanta and Lyon both lodged offers for the former Norwich City defender.
Atalanta made an offer worth around £10million, but sources have now confirmed that Lyon’s bid is worth more and closer to Everton’s asking price believed to be worth £15million.
As part of Lyon’s bid for Godfrey, sources have told HITC that the French side would be willing to work on a separate deal which would see defender Jake O’Brien, who Everton are understood to be interested in, move to Goodison Park.
Despite Lyon’s attempts to sign Godfrey, sources tell HITC that Atalanta remain the favourites.
The Irish defender, who was formerly of Crystal Palace, has become a useful squad player for Lyon as he made 27 Ligue 1 appearances for the club last season, scoring four goals and providing two assists.
O’Brien was quizzed about the prospect of facing Cristiano Ronaldo on international duty earlier this year, the Irish defender said: “That’s just the way I am. I’m cool and calm, don’t get fazed by these moments and don’t get overexcited.
“I like to take things as they come. Big moments, playing under pressure, is what I like to do.”
Atalanta confident of deal despite Lyon’s attempts
Despite Lyon’s move for Godfrey, Italian sources have confirmed to HITC that those at Atalanta believe they are the best placed club to sign the 26-year-old.
Atalanta’s £10 million offer is because of the defender’s contract situation with his deal set to expire next summer, as mentioned.
As well as this, sources have told HITC that the Italian club would be prepared to wait until January to sign Godfrey on a pre-contract agreement if they can’t strike a deal with Everton this summer.
Godfrey, for his part, is understood to have signalled to those in Bergamo that a move to Atalanta to play in the Champions League alongside former teammate Ademola Lookman appeals to him.
Atalanta are understood to be very keen on the defender and attempted to sign Godfrey in January.
With just 12-months left on his current deal and having rejected a new contract, Godfrey is in a strong position to choose his next club and Atalanta, or any interested side, could land the defender for a reasonable price this summer.
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