Newcastle transfer news: Eddie Howe to bolster defence with versatile £9m Everton star
By Kian Long
According to Newcastle transfer news from Football Transfers, PIF are now eying the signing of Ben Godfrey from Everton. The 25-year-old defender is thought to set the Magpies back around £9m, which is a price that seems like a no-brainer to Eddie Howe as he seeks more defensive options.
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Newcastle transfer news: Eddie Howe could bolster defence with versatile £9m Everton star
With defensive players returning from injury, Eddie Howe can finally rotate while playing his full-strength back-four occasionally. However, there is a realisation that he must invest in younger defenders, since his centre backs Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles aren't getting any younger.
To do so, Howe has been handed a golden opportunity to sign Ben Godfrey for a small price. It would make sense from the player's perspective too, since he is falling out-of-favour at Goodison Park. Even given their league position (which has been helped due to a run of good form), Godfrey struggles for game time.
Pointed out by Football FanCast, he has only made two Premier League appearances this season, which isn't surprising given Everton's preference of Branthwaite. Therefore, he could benefit from a move to St James Park.
While I would welcome the signing of Godfrey since he's been impressive on the rare occasion he plays, I must say that this deal doesn't make as much sense as other players. Although, a centre back isn't a position of dire need this transfer window, so Eddie Howe may see this as a bargain he must pick up.
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However, it must be said that Eddie Howe might not be targetting Ben Godfrey to play as a centre back. Although this is his strongest position, he is versatile enough to play in other positions such as right-back or defensive midfield. The latter position is one which may appeal to Eddie Howe, since he is lacking depth in the midfield role.
What do you make of today's Newcastle transfer news?