Benjamin Mathew Godfrey, the Norwich City player currently serving a loan spell at Shrewsbury Town, is a January target for Premier League club Crystal Palace. The 19-year-old was part of York City squad before making the switch to Norwich.
He has appeared in 17 games in EFL League One for the Shrews and has been impressive for the side so far. He has been a first-team regular for Paul Hurst’s side in their current campaign placed in the second spot of the points table.
Godfrey is also on the radar of England u-20 manager Paul Simpson who might look to hand him an international call-up soon. His current contract with Shrewsbury is set to run out in January.
The York-born midfielder signed a new four-year contract with Norwich in August, extending his Carrow Road stay to 2021. Godfrey, who can also operate at right-back, was signed by former City boss Alex Neil in January 2016 after making his first-team breakthrough with the Minstermen.
They will be reluctant to let him go in their pursuit of promotion next season. But offers from sides in top-flight English football will be too attractive for the teenager to pass up on.
However, with the lack of quality midfielders in his current squad, the veteran gaffer might also have to consider possible replacements to help his side finish this season well above the relegation zone. Godfrey mostly operates in the defensive midfield position but can also be fielded in the centre-back role. Although he might not be experienced enough to take up the first team spot just yet, he can be the perfect option to come off the bench for the second half of the season.
Crystal Palace have had their problems at the beginning of the season but are looking to improve in recent times under their current manager. Their current midfield of Yohan Cabaye, Luka Milivojevic and James McArthur have not exactly flourished this season and might require a change in the future. Godfrey’s defensive talents marked a good technical ability can be well developed in a Palace outfit.
