Transfer Centre

Transfer rumours: Trevoh Chalobah to Nottingham Forest, Ben Godfrey to Leeds United, Abdoulaye Doucoure to stay at Everton

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 24 January 2024

Transfer rumours: Chalobah to Forest, Godfrey to Leeds, Doucoure to stay at Everton

Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer rumours, including Trevoh Chalobah to Nottingham Forest, Ben Godfrey to Leeds United and an update on Abdoulaye Doucoure's future at Everton.

Nottingham Forest have reportedly joined the race to sign Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah before this month's transfer window closes for business.

The 24-year-old has not made a single appearance for the Blues during the 2023-24 campaign due to a hamstring problem.

Chalobah is closing in on a return to fitness, though, and according to The Sun, Forest want to secure his signature on loan for the second half of the 2023-24 campaign.

The report claims that the Reds might have to pay just £1m to loan him for the rest of the season, as he is not in the plans of Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Chalobah has allegedly accepted that he needs a fresh start at this stage of his career and would be open to making the move to Forest in search of regular action.

The defender came through the youth system at Chelsea, and he has represented the London club's first team on 63 occasions in all competitions, including 33 outings last term.

Everton's Ben Godfrey applauds fans after the match on August 30, 2023 © Reuters

Leeds United are bidding to boost their squad this month to aid their promotion push from the Championship, and according to Football Insider, the club are in talks over a deal for Everton's Ben Godfrey.

The Whites are said to be in discussions with the Toffees over an initial loan deal, which would become permanent at the end of the campaign.

Godfrey has struggled for action during the 2023-24 campaign, only making three appearances in all competitions, while he has only played 91 minutes of Premier League football this term.

The Englishman, who has also been linked with AC Milan, was again an unused substitute against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup last time out, and he has allegedly been given the green light to depart.

Godfrey has featured on 80 occasions for Everton since arriving from Norwich City in October 2020, penning a five-year contract at Goodison Park.

Leeds are bidding to secure a return to the Premier League for the 2024-25 campaign, and Daniel Farke's side currently sit fourth in the Championship table.

Everton's Abdoulaye Doucoure celebrates after the match on October 7, 2023 © Reuters

Meanwhile, according to the Liverpool Echo, Everton are not willing to let Abdoulaye Doucoure leave the club during the January transfer window.

The midfielder's future has recently been the subject of speculation, with Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ettifaq said to be determined to secure his signature this month.

However, it is alleged that the 31-year-old is not available for transfer in January.

Doucoure has again been an important player for Everton this season, featuring on 21 occasions in all competitions, scoring six goals and registering one assist in the process.

The midfielder only has a contract at Goodison Park until June 2025, though, and a new deal is not being discussed at this stage due to the team's financial problems.

Doucoure made the move to Everton from Watford in the summer of 2020, and he has represented the Toffees on 116 occasions, scoring 16 times and registered 10 assists in all competitions for the Merseyside club.