Norwich City have turned down a potential £25m bid for Ben Godfrey.

The England Under-21 international has emerged as a prime target for Everton but a proposed £20m deal with a further £5m in add ons was dismissed.

City rate the 22-year-old centre back as one of the best defensive prospects in the country, and are ready to hold firm on their valuation of Godfrey.

Everton chief Carlo Ancelotti confirmed he is a big admirer of the powerhouse defender after Wednesday’s 4-1 League Cup win over West Ham.

The Liverpool Echo also claim Godfrey is his number one target, having so far failed to land Chelsea’s Fikayo Tomori in a proposed loan switch.

It remains to be seen if the Merseysiders follow up their initial interest, with Godfrey also linked to Premier League duo Newcastle and Fulham in recent days.

City made it clear at the start of the close season none of their best talent will leave for below market rates.

Liverpool’s cheeky offer for Jamal Lewis was rejected out of hand, before the left back sealed his move to Newcastle for an initial £15m.

Barcelona’s enquiry for Max Aarons got no further with the Catalans only interested in a loan with an option to purchase arrangement.

The overseas transfer window closes on October 5 but Premier League clubs can still buy players in this country until October 16.

Ancelotti’s team have made an impressive start to the new season in the league and cup. The Italian confirmed the Toffees are in the market for a centre back when he spoke to reporters after watching his side book a place in the League Cup quarter-finals.

He said: ‘We are looking for a centre back. Godfrey is a really good centre back but is playing for Norwich and I cannot say anything.’

Godfrey is under contract at Norwich until 2023, with an additional one year option, after signing a longer term deal in July 2019.

The youngster has made 78 appearances since signing from York in January 2016 in a deal reportedly worth £1m, with a sell-on fee clause included of 10 percent of any profit made.