Is Ben Godfrey the answer to Newcastle United’s defensive problems?

Newcastle United are said to be eyeing a move for Everton centre-back Ben Godfrey as they look to bolster their defence in the summer.

Defence is an area that Newcastle United will definitely look to bolster in the summer. As reported by the Mirror the club are now stepping up their interest in signing Everton defender Ben Godfrey.

The report adds that Godfrey is high on Newcastle United’s list of defensive targets, and Eddie Howe is a big fan of the 24-year-old.

Godfrey only joined Everton from Norwich City in 2020 for a transfer fee of £25 million. He has made 58 appearances for the Toffees since his move, according to stats from Transfermarkt, and he even earned his maiden England call-up last year.

Ben Godfrey’s versatility could make him a useful addition to the Newcastle United squad

While Godfrey is naturally a centre-back, he is also capable of playing at both right-back and left-back as he has done on a number of occasions for Everton this season. He played 90 minutes at left-back as the Toffees defeated Newcastle United earlier this week.

Godfrey still has just under three and a half years left on his Everton contract, so it is unlikely that they would be willing to let him go easily.

Godfrey was linked with a move to Newcastle United during the January transfer window as well, but they ended up signing Dan Burn from Brighton and Hove Albion instead. Now it appears that they will look to resurrect their interest in signing him this summer.

The club have been linked with a number of defenders in recent weeks, including Antonio Rudiger, Sven Botman, Diego Carlos and Nico Schlotterbeck. They are also said to be very keen on extending the contract of Fabian Schar, who will be out of contract in the summer.