Atalanta agree deal to sign Everton defender Ben Godfrey

Everton centre-back Ben Godfrey is set to join Europa League winners Atalanta on a permanent deal, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Atalanta initially tabled a bid worth around £8.5 million for the English defender, but it was turned down by Everton, who were holding out for at least £15m.

With the Serie A giants eager to wrap up a deal, it appears both clubs have reached an agreement on a transfer fee exceeding Atalanta’s initial proposal.

Performance-related add-ons have also been inserted to sweeten the deal for Everton, who have given the defender the green light to travel for medical examinations.

The 26-year-old will undergo medicals this weekend before completing his move to the Gewiss Stadium.

Godfrey is a versatile defender capable of slotting in anywhere across the backline, which adds to his appeal. He was a priority acquisition for Atalanta this summer, and they have finally got their man.

Godfrey’s imminent exit will boost Everton’s chances of complying with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

The Toffees were one of several clubs at the risk of facing PSR sanctions, although they have repeatedly stressed that they wouldn’t need to sell any of their high-value assets this summer.

Godfrey’s imminent exit paves the way for Everton to add more reinforcements to Sean Dyche’s squad, with the club determined to avoid another relegation scuffle next season.

Godfrey initially struggled to force his way into Dyche’s plans but ended the 2023/24 season strongly, playing most of the time as a right-back.

With the prospect of regular first-team minutes still not guaranteed, he is now set to be the second player to exit Goodison Park this summer after the departure of academy product Lewis Dobbin to Aston Villa.

Everton are also in the process of finalising a move for Olympique Marseille striker Iliman Ndiaye, while Newcastle United youngster Yankuba Minteh is on the club’s extensive summer wishlist.