Everton defender set for medical as club closes in on second major sale of summer

Ben Godfrey is due to undergo a medical today as work continues to seal his transfer to Atalanta.

The defender is due to fly to Milan for fitness checks and final talks after the Europa League winners found a breakthrough in discussions with Everton on Thursday.

The Serie A side’s initial bid fell short of a rival €15m offer from Lyon as clubs launched a pursuit of the 26-year-old this week. But Bergamo was always Godfrey’s preferred destination and further talks led to the agreement of a deal that has seen the move advance to its final stages.

LIVE: Latest Everton transfer news as Godfrey set for exit

Should the deal be completed it would represent Everton’s second sale of the summer following the departure of Lewis Dobbin to Aston Villa in a deal worth around £10m. A busy opening fortnight of the transfer window has also seen Everton bring in midfielder Tim Iroegbunam from Villa for around £9m and secure the return of winger Jack Harrison on loan from Leeds United. A deal for Marseille attacker Iliman Ndiaye is also close to completion.

Godfrey became the subject of rival bids from Lyon and Atalanta this week. While the French side’s offer was greater than Atalanta’s opening €10m bid, as previously reported by the ECHO, Godfrey’s preferred move was to the Italian side. The central factor was that the club has a longstanding interest in the former Norwich City player - having sought to bring him in on loan in January.

The club can now offer Champions League football too following its Europa League success last month. While reports have claimed Borussia Dortmund made a late push, Godfrey’s mind was set on Italy once it became clear Everton were willing to countenance a deal and that ambition will move closer to reality should he complete his medical without issue.