Latest developments
- Nottingham Forest want to sign Ben Godfrey from Atalanta.
- The ex-Everton man only moved to Italy in the summer.
- He has failed to impress, making just four appearances.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2/5): Mail story not widely reported
Nottingham Forest are one of a few Premier League clubs interested in giving Ben Godfrey a route out of Atalanta and back to England just six months after leaving.
This news comes from the Daily Mail, who aren't generous with their source information, and this story has not been covered on many other sites, which adds some scepticism.
Value (3/5): Atalanta will want money back
The reigning UEFA Europa League holders paid a shade under £10 million to sign Godfrey from Everton in the summer, handing him a five-year deal.
After just four appearances, only one of which came in Serie A, they will be expecting a similar price to get their money back and forget this move ever happened. His £8.25 million market valuation mean Forest would not be grossly overspending.
Suitability (3.5/5): More accustomed to relegation battles
He may not have much Serie A experience, but the 26-year-old has over 100 Premier League appearances to his name and will be accustomed to playing a back four in Nottinghamshire, as he did on Merseyside.
Used to relegation battles with Everton and former club Norwich, fighting for European places will be a new challenge.
Upgrade? (2/5): Forest have set CB partnership
The pairing of Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic has been one of the standout centre-back partnerships in the league this season, and though the Brazilian is touted for a move away, Godfrey would struggle to get minutes as things stand.
Logic (3/5): Wolves a better option?
With more time sat on the bench the most likely outcome at Forest, a move to one of the other interested sides could be a better option for the twice-capped England international.
Wolves are one of the other linked sides, and their need to tighten up at the back might be a good fit for Godfrey.
Whisper+ verdict: 13.5/25
A quick return to the Premier League is highly believable, but we would be surprised if Forest was the ultimate destination. Likely to be available at a good price, a move to a team in the bottom half is plausible.
