CHELSEA have gone from 16/1 outsiders to 9/2 favourites to sign Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona in the January transfer window.
Dembele, 24, has entered the final six months of his contract at the Nou Camp meaning the Blues could sign the forward at a cut price.
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Coral have Chelsea as the favourites to sign the former Borussia Dortmund after Manchester United were previously the market leaders at the start of the window.
Barcelona are still strapped for cash and with Dembele seemingly close to an exit, Barca would be open to offloading him in January rather than losing him on a free transfer in the summer.
Barca paid Borussia Dortmund £105million for the Frenchman in 2017 in a deal rising to a potential £135m.
Earlier in January, Xavi remained hopeful at the prospect of Dembele staying and re-negotiating a lower salary.
He said: “I am optimistic and I hope that Ousmane will make an effort [to renew]. He has a fantastic offer. There’s always a back and forth.”
Newcastle are second in Coral’s market at 5/1 as the new owners are looking to revamp Eddie Howe’s squad ahead of their relegation scrap in 2022.
Chelsea and Newcastle could potential face competition for his signature from outsiders Man Utd, Liverpool and PSG.
Coral’s John Hill said: “A number of Premier League clubs are sure to be monitoring the developments in Barcelona where reports suggest Ousmane Dembele has been told to find a new club. Chelsea are the favourites to sign the Frenchman who is regarded as one of the best forward players in the world.
“Newcastle are also prominent in the betting on his next club, and if they were able to pull off a signing of this scale, it would be a huge coup for Eddie Howe.”
Ousmane Dembele next club odds – Coral
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