Everton star Ben Godfrey’s £15m transfer to Serie A giants falls through due to scrapping of ‘Beckham law’

BEN GODFREY’S £15million move to Atalanta has broken down after Serie A lost their version of the ‘Beckham Law’.

The Everton defender, 25, looked to be heading to Italy this month after falling out of favour with Goodison Park chief Sean Dyche.

Ben Godfrey’s move to Atalanta has fallen throughGetty

The deal has collapsed after Serie A scrapped their version of the ‘Beckham Law’Getty

Godfrey was Gian Piero Gasperini’s top target following a glowing reference from ex-Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti.

But talks over the fee and personal terms have ended following the announcement that the law, officially known as Crescita Decree, has been abolished.

The law allowed high income earners from foreign countries a 50 per cent tax bill discount.

Previously, it has been a big attraction for overseas players to join and increase the competitiveness in Serie A.

The Crescita Decree is remarkably similar to the ‘Beckham Law’ in Spain, which allowed high-income foreign earners to pay just 24 per cent income tax for their first six years in the country.

Beckham took advantage of it following his move from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2003.

But the Italian equivalent will no longer stand after discussions in the Italian Council of Ministers have led to the rule being binned, making Godfrey’s potential move too expensive for Atalanta.

Now Godfrey, who has played three times for Everton this season, is back on the market with 18 months left on the deal he signed after joining in a £25million move from Norwich in 2020.

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He has been limited to a single league start under Sean Dyche this term.

The Toffees boss has instead preferred James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite during the current campaign.

Godfrey has made just three appearances for Everton this seasonGetty