Everton have been completely uncharacteristic in the transfer market this summer, as they have actually been acting with some intelligence and foresight.
Offering wise new contracts and bringing back in tried and tested loanees, whilst also adding a few shrewd acquisitions to bolster the squad without losing any big names as well, this promises to be one of the most transformative transfer windows in the club’s recent history.
However, it is far from over, and there will likely be more interest in their star men to come which will inevitably ramp up the pressure.
Their bargaining position could now be strengthened though, should the proposed sale of Ben Godfrey come in the coming days.
Everton receive two bids for Ben Godfrey
Given talks broke down between Newcastle United and Dominic Calvert-Lewin earlier this week, and Lewis Dobbin was shipped out to Aston Villa for a solid sum, it is clear that the Toffees are still keen to ensure that they are well within the PSR guidelines.
As such, one more sale could be the difference between complete parity and another precarious situation.
Fortunately, in Godfrey, interest is gathering for one of Sean Dyche’s less-favoured assets.
The latest comes from the Liverpool ECHO, who actually details the 26-year-old’s thoughts on a Goodison Park exit: ‘Lyon and Atalanta have submitted bids for Everton defender Ben Godfrey.
‘The French side are understood to have matched Everton’s valuation of around €15m (£12.7m) for Godfrey. Atalanta’s €10m (£8.4m) bid is lower but the Italian club are thought to be the 26-year-old’s preferred destination at this stage of proceedings.
‘Godfrey is understood to be open to a departure should Everton willing to accept an offer.’
Ben Godfrey could solve Everton’s PSR issues at last
Just as Dobbin left for a £10m fee, so too could Godfrey, effectively accumulating just over £20m for two players who started a combined 14 Premier League games last season.
It marks a fine turnaround in Everton’s transfer strategy, ensuring that they at least make some money back on assets whose contracts are winding down, are decent players, but have no long-term future at the club.
It is expected that, if there is a hole in their PSR calculations, it is only a small one.
So, whether it be Atalanta, Lyon or someone else entirely, just as long as the sale is made to plug this financial gap, Kevin Thelwell be delighted.
It could even free up the funds for another big signing after Iliman Ndiaye completed his Everton medical recently, with Yankuba Minteh still desperate to join Everton from Newcastle United by all accounts.