The odds have been slashed on Everton signing West Ham defender Aaron Cresswell before the January transfer window shuts, according bookmakers.
BetVictor dropped the Merseyside club’s price on landing the left-back from 4/1 to 2/1 following an update in the market on Monday evening.
Everton are now ahead of Liverpool, who are second favourites to sign Cresswell (4/1), while Manchester City (6/1), Arsenal and Tottenham (both 8/1) are also in the betting running.
In December, Everton were joint 4/1 favourites with Liverpool to sign the three-times England international.
The Daily Mail claimed on their live transfer blog last Thursday (3.57pm) that Everton had held discussions over a series of left-back targets they could pursue in January, including Cresswell.
OPINION
Of all the West Ham players, none is more reliable and consistent than Cresswell. The 28-year-old has been a virtual ever-present for the Hammers this season, starting 21 of their 24 league matches and impressing with both the attacking and defensive sides of his game. He is also versatile. In recent weeks, David Moyes has switched Cresswell to more of a central defensive role on the left-side of a back three. Everton are widely thought to be on the look-out for a new left-back this month with the ageing Leighton Baines out injured and right-back Cuco Martina only a fill-in option on the left side. As things currently stand, Cresswell would walk into the Everton side.