Ipswich in loan talks for defender Ben Godfrey

Ipswich Town are in talks to sign Atalanta defender Ben Godfrey on loan.

The 26-year-old has played just 22 minutes in Serie A since making a free transfer move from Everton in the summer - and could now be set for an early return to the Premier League.

Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna is understood to have been key talks with the player, with sources close to Godfrey saying the Tractor Boys are firm favourites, amid interest from other clubs.

It is believed talks will continue over the weekend after Atalanta made Godfrey available for a move, amid a positive start to the season, which sees the club top of the league at the midway point.

Godfrey has played a further 71 minutes in his other four appearances in all competitions, which includes two outings in the Champions League, for the club that last season won the Europa League.

Ipswich, meanwhile, are 18th in the Premier League, but beat Chelsea 2-0 in their last match to close the gap on Wolves to one point as they seek to escape relegation back to the Championship.