Stoke favourites to sign departing Everton captain Phil Neville

Stoke have emerged as the early favourites to sign Phil Neville after the Everton captain announced that this will be his final season on Merseyside.

Neville revealed his decision in a statement on Everton’s official website – and he gave some hints as to what his next move may be.

He said: “I want to continue to play at the top level as long as I physically can, and will be weighing up my options before making a decision.”

That suggests a desire to stay in the Premier League and, despite the former Manchester United man being 36-years-old, there shouldn’t be any shortage of suitors.

Stoke are certainly a good fit and it would make complete sense if he was to end up at the Britannia.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has come under increasing pressure this season for his failure to move the Potters on to the next level (wherever that is) and many feel a lack of quality in the full-back positions is a contributing factor.

Backing Stoke to land Neville at 5/1 looks a pretty decent shout and is far more likely that a move to Wigan (also 5/1) who are still entrenched in the relegation zone.

A lack of experience has been one major reason that Aston Villa have struggled this season and that’s something that Neville has in abundance.

While he’s not a typical Paul Lambert signing, he won’t be too pricey for the frugal Villains and the 7/1 offered for him to be pulling on claret and blue next season looks a bet well worth consideration.

Elsewhere, he’s 50/1 to return to Manchester United and 20/1 to join his brother Gary as a permanent fixture in the Sky Sports studio next season.

Phil Neville odds

Next Club:

5/1  Stoke
5/1  Wigan
7/1  Aston Villa
9/1  Hull
10/1  Cardiff
10/1  Norwich
10/1  Swansea
10/1  West Brom
12/1  Bolton
12/1  Newcastle
12/1  Sunderland
50/1  Man Utd
Others on Request
Phil Neville to…

Be a registered Premier League player (any other club than Everton) on the 1st of September 2013   1/6
To play for Everton again after this season (first team matches only)   10/1
To be the next Everton manager   16/1
To manage Everton in his career   2/1
To manage Manchester United in his career   8/1
To manage England in his career   8/1

To join Gary as a permanent Sky pundit for 2013/14 season   20/1

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