Odds slashed: Everton installed as strong favourites to sign £30m international

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Published on:

23 Jul 2016, 4:29 pm

By Alex Stevens

Everton have been installed odds-on favourites to sign Zenit Saint Petersburg midfielder Axel Witsel.

The Belgium international had his odds slashed to 8/15 by betting company Sky Bet on Saturday night to make a sensational move to Goodison Park.

The second favourites to land Witsel are Inter Milan, who are priced at 5/2, while Juventus are in third at 13/2.

It has been reported by Squawka that the Goodison Park club have offered £30million for the midfielder as well as a £100,000-a-week plus bonuses contract.

The 27-year-old was with the Belgium national side during this summers European Championships, as he starred in five encounters for his country before his side were knocked out in the quarter finals by Wales.

The combative midfielder has already made it clear to his club that he wants to leave after four years in Russia and has now entered the final year of his Zenit contract.

Zenit manager Mircea Lucescu has revealed that Witsel has asked to quit the club for a move to one of two leagues.

"He has asked to leave Zenit. He has four offers: two from Italy and two from England," said Lucescu to Calcio Mercato.

Witsel impressed his suitors again this season, particularly in the Champions League as Zenit dominated their group and made it to the last-16.

In the latest Everton transfer news, Manchester City are close to resolving the John Stones saga after resurrecting collapsed talks with the Toffees.

Everton FC

Axel Witsel