AC Milan & Borussia Dortmund could force Everton into unwanted decision over defender's future

Everton defender Ben Godfrey has reportedly become the target for both AC Milan and beaten Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund.

Godfrey, 26, played himself back into contention under Sean Dyche in the second half of the season after remaining on the bench for 19 of the first 21 league games last campaign. His only other appearance was a one-minute blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo in the 2-2 draw with Sheffield United but he was a consistent figure at full-back from January onwards.

He ended up with 15 league appearances in total in the league and he started 12 of the final 17 games. However, he has just one year left on his current deal and it would be a real worry for Dyche to lose one of his key defenders. Michael Keane was scarcely trusted throughout the campaign and veterans Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young are likely to continue with the squad which would mean a Godfrey exit would need a replacement.

That’s according to Football Insider; a move to either club would be a stroke of luck for the former Norwich defender who totalled less than 1,000 in the 2022/23 season as well. He could join fellow Englishman Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek at the San Siro where both ex-Chelsea players have found a regular starting place and revitalised their careers.

Godfrey was linked with a move away in January and Dyche commented on the rumours at the time, insisting he was still in his plans despite interest from Leeds United at the time. “He's doing terrifically well for us. He's training very well, staying sharp and ready,” said Dyche.

“The hardest thing we've had lately is the games programme, trying to keep the players who are not quite starting in the first-team game-ready but he looks after himself. He's going well and he's ready. I think it's fair to say currently it's tough. The [other] two center-halves are playing very, very well and most people are speaking outside of my opinion and decision.

“Sometimes as a center-half – and I was one – it's tough because you want to play but I think there's an honesty to most when they look at someone and think they are playing well, they know they've got to sit tight. I think he does know that. He's a very good player but he's looking at two center-halves who are in very, very strong form.”