Everton defender Ben Godfrey is nearing a departure from the club, having received contract offers from Lyon and Atalanta, sources told Football Insider.

On June 16, Football Insider reported that Godfrey was close to leaving Goodison Park after turning down several new contract offers from the club.

The 26-year-old now has proposals from French giants Lyon and Italian side Atalanta, both of whom have qualified for European football next season. Borussia Dortmund have also shown interest in the centre-back.

Lyon, under Pierre Sage, have made a £12.7 million offer for Godfrey, who has one year left on his current deal, while Atalanta have bid £6.7 million.

Everton are likely to sell Godfrey before Sunday, when clubs must declare their accounts for Financial Fair Play purposes.

Everton set to lose Ben Godfrey this week
With Godfrey rejecting multiple contract offers in recent weeks [Football Insider, June 12], Everton could cash in this week.

Losing the defender will be a blow for Sean Dyche, but the fee may provide Everton with the financial flexibility to retain other key players like Jarrad Branthwaite.

On June 4, Football Insider reported that AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund were also interested in Godfrey, who is seeking a substantial contract at this stage in his career. However, Lyon made the first move.

Despite Everton expecting to make a loss on their 2020 purchase of Godfrey, he has only made 28 Premier League appearances over the past two seasons and could be seen as expendable.

It remains uncertain whether Godfrey’s exit will affect the situation of Amadou Onana, whom Dyche’s side may sacrifice to keep players like Branthwaite [Football Insider, June 21].

In other news, Keith Wyness expects Everton to agree on a stadium naming rights deal very soon.