Newcastle United and Spurs consider move for £20m Everton star

Everton defender Ben Godfrey has reportedly 'emerged' as a transfer target for Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Both Premier League rivals are believed to be keen to add to their defensive ranks when the January transfer window opens after suffering a number of injuries in recent weeks. The Magpies are currently without the likes of Dan Burn, Matt Targett and Sven Botman for the foreseeable future as they contend with a lengthy list of injuries.

Spurs also suffered misfortune earlier this week when summer signing Micky van de Ven suffered a thigh injury during a dramatic 4-1 home defeat against London rivals Chelsea. To make matters worse for manager Ange Postecoglou, fellow centre-back Cristian Romero is facing up to a three-match ban after he was shown a straight red card during the game.

Both clubs are currently formulating their plans for the January transfer window and 90Min have reported Toffees star Godfrey is under consideration as a possible target when the winter trading period gets underway in the new year.

The former Norwich City defender has made just one Premier League appearance so far this season as Sean Dyche has opted to hand starts to the likes of James Tarkowski, Michael Keane and England Under-21 star Jarrad Branthwaite. That solitary appearance came as a late substitute in a 2-2 draw in September, with Godfrey's only start of the campaign coming in a 2-1 win at Doncaster Rovers in a Carabao Cup second round tie in August.

Once highly-rated in the England ranks, Godfrey earned senior caps in friendly wins against Austria and Romania in June 2021 and made Gareth Southgate's provisional squad for the European Championship during the same summer. The 25-year-old failed to make the final 26-man selection and has not appeared in a Three Lions squad since.

Everton are said to be willing to listen to offers for the defender, who is also believed to be attracted interest from Bournemouth, Burnley, Crystal Palace and Scottish giants Rangers.