Jamie Carragher reckons that Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey are the 'future' for Everton in the centre-back position.

Carragher was speaking to one of the club's fan channels, Toffee TV.

How have Keane and Godfrey performed this season?

Keane has played 90 minutes in all but three of Everton's Premier League games this season. He has averaged 2.9 successful aerial duels, 1.4 interceptions and 4.6 clearances per 90 minutes (via WhoScored), but the 28-year-old was still overlooked for the latest England squad by Gareth Southgate.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti urged him to channel that disappointment into motivation, hailing his 'really good' performance levels.

£25m summer signing Godfrey, who was called-up by the England under-21s this month, has been almost an ever-present at Goodison Park as well.

Ancelotti has only left him on the bench twice since his arrival from Norwich City, and the defender been averaging 2.3 successful aerial duels, 4.3 clearances and 1.7 blocks per game (via WhoScored). The Everton manager has made use of the 23-year-old's versatility by deploying him as a full-back on nine occasions.

Godfrey has earned plenty of plaudits this season, with Rio Ferdinand among his admirers. The ex- Manchester United defender labelled his performances 'absolutely outstanding'.

Carragher says Everton don't need to dip into market for centre-back

Carragher has followed Ferdinand's lead in championing Godfrey's credentials, as well as those of fellow Toffees defender Keane.

"I do look at Keane and Godfrey as the future for Everton at centre-back," the Liverpool legend said. "I'm a big fan of both players.

"I really like Michael Keane. He's a seven out of 10 man every game. His passing's very good from the back.

"And in Godfrey, I think you've got a super player. It's a great signing. I think he's going to be a top centre-back."

Transfer Tavern verdict

Both players have clearly done well this season, but is Keane and Godfrey a partnership which could sustain a top four challenge? Probably not, and that's where Everton are aiming under this manager.

A serious offer for Kalidou Koulibaly has been mooted and would be an immense show of ambition from the Toffees.

In other news, Everton will listen to offers for another of their defenders.