Norwich City have agreed a club record £25m deal, plus add ons, for Ben Godfrey from Everton on Thursday night.

The Toffees’ initial approach was turned down by the Canaries but the Merseysiders have returned with an improved offer that eclipses City’s previous club record deal for James Maddison.

Godfrey is now expected to undergo a medical within the next 24 hours ahead of completing his move to the Premier League early pacesetters.

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

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’s previous club, York, will be entitled to a percentage of the deal as part of the original transfer that brought the 22-year-old England Under-21 international to Norfolk in 2016.

The centre back will be the second high profile departure from Carrow Road this summer following Jamal Lewis’ exit to Newcastle United.