CONFIRMED: Newcastle told Everton's Onana price as Leeds attempt Godfrey switch

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 24 Jan 2024 13:25 GMT
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Everton are open to the prospect of Amadou Onana's departure during the current January transfer window, with sources indicating a potential fee of approximately £60 million would be enough for Newcastle to secure him.

The club have expressed a strong interest in the midfielder, eyeing reinforcement for their central midfield, with Sandro Tonali out with a ban and with uncertainty over the future of Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes.

However, due to financial constraints dictated by Financial Fair Play regulations, the Magpies can currently only consider an initial loan deal with an obligation to pay later.

Eddie Howe's side finds itself limited to temporary signings or deferred payment arrangements at present. Despite Onana being a target for Newcastle, a deal hinges on Everton's willingness to accept a buy-now-pay-later agreement, which at present seems unlikely.

We are told that Everton are hesitant about such an arrangement of an inital loan but would entertain the idea of letting Onana leave for the aforementioned £60 million, nearly doubling the amount they paid to Lille for the 22-year-old in 2022.

Onana’s current deal is up in 2027 while the youngster has reportedly drawn interest from Arsenal, too.

Leeds in talks over Ben Godrey move

Meanwhile, sources indicate that Ben Godfrey is in talks over a move to Leeds. The Whites are exploring the possibility of a loan deal with an obligation to buy, while AC Milan has also shown interest in securing the services of the defender, who is also admired by Howe, as FootballTransfers previously revealed.

Godfrey has featured in a mere three matches this season, with only one appearance in the Premier League, in the 2-0 victory against Burnley. There are just 18 months left on his contract and Everton are looking to make a sale this window to bolster their funds.