Four different bookies have the move odds-on, with a loan move to Villa Park looking likely.
A number of top bookies have decisively slashed odds on Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley joining Aston Villa before the end of the transfer window.
Odds have been cut from 5/2 into as short as 1/5 that Dean Smith’s side secure the services of the England international.
The best price of 1/2 is available with one firm, but that even that price indicates a 67% implied probability that the move goes through.
Betfred
- Huge range of regular promotions
- 24/7 live chat service
- PickYourPunt builder for custom bets
There’s only real one viable contender in the market, with the next most likely destination for Barkley being any German side at 14/1.
If it’s not Villa, bookies are predicting that Barkley will venture into the continent, with any French, Italian, Spanish and French team all the same price.
Prices on West Ham fluctuate throughout the market, with one firm offering 18/1 on the switch, whilst another goes as short as 6/1.
Leeds and Southampton are both on the periphery of the market at 20/1, followed by Manchester United and Leicester at the same price.
Football stats experts WhoScored.com revealed that Barkley is one of only 12 players to have started 20+ PL games since 18/19 to boast a pass accuracy in excess of 90% (90.2%).
Oddschecker spokesperson Callum Wilson: "Ross Barkley's Chelsea career looks in serious jeopardy, as Frank Lampard has seemingly shunted the England man far down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
"However, Barkley is undoubtedly a player who will catch the eye of many Premier League sides, and big-spending Villa, who have started the season in brilliant fashion, appear to be the most likely destination for the midfielder."
- Aston Villa – 1/2
- Any German side – 14/1
- Any French side – 14/1
- Any Italian side – 14/1
- Any Spanish side – 14/1
- Wolves – 18/1
- Leeds – 20/1
