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Transfer rumours: Nottingham Forest want Divock Origi exit, Leeds United want Ben Godfrey, Maxime Esteve to Burnley

By Darren Plant, Senior ReporterPublished: 28 January 2024 5:51 PM

Transfer rumours: Forest want Origi exit, Leeds want Godfrey, Esteve to Burnley

Sports Mole rounds up the latest January transfer rumours, including Nottingham Forest pushing to part ways with Divock Origi and Leeds United moving for Ben Godfrey.

Nottingham Forest are reportedly eager to part ways with Divock Origi before the end of the January transfer window.

During the summer, Forest agreed to sign Origi on a season-long loan deal which came with the option to buy at the end of the season.

However, taking up that opportunity is already out of the question, the 28-year-old having been restricted to just 179 minutes of Premier League football spread across nine appearances.

Aside from featuring in Nuno Espirito Santo's first game in charge on December 23, Origi has not played a single minute more, and it now appears that Forest are pushing for the Belgium international's exit.

According to Football Insider, Forest are hoping that another club are willing to take over his loan terms, said to including his £100,000 wages, for the second half of the campaign.

Forest have recently been charged with breaching the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations, and would preferably like to save money by getting Origi's wages off their outgoings.

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

Meanwhile, Leeds United have allegedly sent an official proposal to Everton for the loan acquisition of Ben Godfrey.

The 26-year-old has failed to make a notable impression under Sean Dyche, being restricted to just two starts and one substitute outing in all competitions.

With Everton also facing punishment for breaking the same rules as Forest, the Toffees hierarchy want to find a new club for Godfrey, who is not short of admirers.

Teams in England and Italy have each been monitoring the situation, but Football Insider says that Leeds are making every effort to win the race for his signature.

Leeds are currently challenging for automatic promotion from the Championship and adding the versatile Godfrey would theoretically boost their chances of an immediate return to the top flight.

As it stands, it is unclear whether Everton would insist on an option or obligation to buy, with Godfrey having 18 months remaining on his contract.

Montpellier's Maxime Esteve in action with RC Lens' Corentin Jean on October 17, 2021 © Reuters

Remaining on the subject of defenders and Burnley are reportedly attempting to secure the signature of Montpellier HSC's Maxime Esteve.

The Clarets are five points adrift of safety and possess the second-worst defensive record in the Premier League, forcing Vincent Kompany to try to secure reinforcements.

Burnley are yet to add a fresh face to their backline with just four days remaining of the January window, yet the North West outfit are seemingly looking to do business.

According to the Daily Mail, Burnley have put forward an offer of £10.2m for Esteve.

A total of 12 starts have been made by the 21-year-old in Ligue 1 this campaign, with his performances also said to have attracted interest from Everton.

Montpellier are against the immediate sale of the France Under-21 international, yet his contract is due to expire in 2025 which inevitably leads his current club to be open-minded to any notable bids.