With the January transfer window just around the corner, Rangers are already preparing their shopping list for reinforcements under Philippe Clement.
The Belgian is taking charge of his first window in Glasgow and is reportedly looking for defensive additions, with Ben Godfrey one of the names linked with making the switch to Ibrox in the new year [90Min, 8 November].
It had been reported that the Toffees had been keen to move on the Englishman in January as he has fallen out of favor at Goodison Park, but Sean Dyche has been eager to suggest that the defender does have a future on Merseyside, even if he is currently out of the picture.
As quoted by the Liverpool Echo (9 November), he said, “He’s doing terrifically well for us. He’s training very well; he’s staying sharp and ready. He looks after himself; he’s a super-fit fella; he’s going along well, and he’s ready.
“I think it’s fair to say that currently it’s tough. The two center halves are both playing very, very well, as most people are saying outside of my opinion and decision. I think most people accept that.
“I think he’s a very good player, but he’s looking at two center-halves who are currently in very, very strong form.
While the Everton boss is keen to suggest that the 25-year-old remains an important player in his side, it is clear that he is currently someway down the defensive pecking order at Goodison Park, meaning Rangers have the perfect opportunity.
Often, when clubs move for players who haven’t played regular first-team football, there is always the risk that they may not be up to speed when they arrive, especially in the January transfer window when they don’t have a pre-season to prepare.
It is clear from Dyche’s latest comments that Godfrey is ready and able to hit the ground running should he be picked currently, and that could entice Clement and his scouting team to push for the center-back in January.
Given that the Light Blues are aiming to close the gap with Celtic, they need players who can have an immediate impact rather than more slow burners like the likes of Sam Lammers, Cyriel Dessers, and Dujon Sterling, who are still finding their feet at Ibrox.
Godfrey may be able to understand that two good center-backs are keeping him out of the Everton side, but he is unlikely to be content with that situation, especially as he enters what should be the prime years of his career.
Rangers may well be able to take advantage of that situation and act on their interest when the transfer window opens in January, and should Godfrey be as fit and ready as Dyche suggests, he could offer Clement’s side a huge boost in the second half of the season.
