Betting latest: Everton installed favourites to sign Barcelona player

By Harvey Byrne

Everton have been installed as the favourites to sign Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen, according to the latest betting odds.

Sky Bet have priced the Toffees to sign the 31-year-old centre-back before Thursday's transfer deadline.

Premier League rivals West Brom are trailing closely behind at odds of 8/1, while south east London outfit Crystal Palace make up the top three with a price of 14/1.

Everton's odds follow claims made by the Sun earlier in the month stating that the Toffees were interested in bringing in the experienced centre-back alongside West Brom and Ajax.

Vermaelen has of course also already played in England before with Arsenal, where he lasted five years between 2009 and 2014, playing 150 times and helping the lift the 2014 FA Cup alongside being included in the 2009-10 Premier League Team of the Year.

Since departing north London he has played just 21 times for the Barcelona first team with injuries and a loan to Serie A giants AS Roma last season heavily impacting his playing time at the Nou Camp.

However, Everton boss Ronald Koeman may see a player of his experience as a good option for his back four, as did with Ashley Williams last summer.

In other Everton transfer news, the Toffees are ready to go up against Premier League giants for 24-time capped Spain international.

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