Everton a potential Souttar for Dundee United youngster

Everton look set to strengthen their shout for a top six finish with the acquisition of highly-rated Dundee United youngster John Souttar.

The Toffees are currently priced at 7/4 to finish in the top six of the Premier League this season following a blistering start to the campaign that has left them in seventh place, just a point behind a quartet in second.

And if Souttar arrives, Roberto Martinez’s men may even have an outside chance of going one better, with Everton on available at 9/1 to finish inside the top four.

The young defender has already grabbed the headlines north of the border after becoming the youngest player to ever feature for Dundee United at the age of just 16 years and 99 days.

Everton are reportedly offering up to £1m to secure the centre back, who would most likely operate as cover for the likes of Phil Jagielka and an ageing Sylvain Distin.

With Johnny Heitinga already signalling his intentions to move away from Goodison Park come January (comma) it could be sink or swim for Souttar with the youngster potentially thrown straight into the first-team action.

Succeed and who knows, this Scot could come to emulate fellow countryman Alan Hansen in rising from obscurity to conquer the English top-flight.

Fail though and it won’t just be Everton’s Premier League prospects that take a battering but also Souttar, who has no doubt been reminded of the pitfalls of a move down south by David Goodwillie, a player currently on loan at Dundee United from Blackburn.

For Terrors fans, meanwhile, the move could prove a blessing in disguise for their league prospects.

Dundee United are available at 8/1 in betting without Celtic and should any money recouped from the potential Souttar deal be reinvested in the squad, then they could make a worthwhile each way bet to finish just behind the Hoops.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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