Ancelotti makes big transfer hint over ‘really good’ £26m centre-back

Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has hinted that a move for Ben Godfrey is in the offing after watching his side dismantle West Ham on Wednesday night.

The in-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin blasted a hat-trick as Everton swept the Hammers aside 4-1 in the Carabao Cup.

Afterwards Ancelotti was asked about Norwich centre-back Godfrey after reports indicated the Italian had made a bid for the player.

Sky Sports reported on Wednesday that Everton had made a £26m bid for the 22-year-old centre-back with £20m up front, and a further £6m in add-ons.

And the Italian coach did little to quell the speculation.

“I said in the past that we are looking for a centre-back because we are short there, and Godfrey is a really good centre-back, but he is at this moment playing for Norwich, so I can’t say more,” said Ancelotti.

Everton have plenty of time to get the deal done though, because the domestic window for Premier League and EFL clubs does not close until October 16.

Godfrey made 30 appearances in the Premier League for Norwich last season, but could not stop them being relegated.

He is under contract until 2023, but the Liverpool Echo report Godfrey is keen on a move to Goodison so his international prospects are not harmed.

His form last season earned him a call up to the England under-21 squad and with the Euros taking place next summer he could well force his way into Gareth Southgate’s plans.

Ancelotti explains why Calvert-Lewin has improved

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