SkyBet have slashed the odds on Joey Barton moving to Sunderland, making them 11/2 third favourites in the race to sign the midfielder.
Joey Barton during his time with Rangers
Popular bookmakers SkyBet have installed Sunderland as 11/2 third favourites in the race to sign free agent Joey Barton.
The former Rangers man has his contract terminated at Ibrox earlier this month, and speculation regarding his future has continued to mount with every day that passes.
Whilst there is no doubting Barton’s ability, it is questionable at to whether bringing in someone with such a chequered past will have any kind of positive effect on the Black Cats’ season.
SkyBet still list Burnley as favourites to sing Barton at 1/3, whilst Derby County are second in the running at 7/2.
Sunderland do have plenty of options in the central midfield area, although they are currently in the midst of a mini injury crisis, and are without the likes of Jack Rodwell, Lee Cattermole and Jan Kirchhoff.
Joey Barton in action for Rangers
With the current situation the Wearsiders find themselves in though, the addition of Barton would surely only disrupt a squad that finally seem to have turned the corner.
At 34-years-old, Barton is a long way past his prime, and Sunderland must avoid being duped into signing a player who, throughout his career, has created more headlines with his off-field antics than he has through his actual on-pitch performances.
Although football can be anything but predictable, with David Moyes being a renowned disciplinarian, it doesn’t exactly seem like a match made in heaven.
Joey Barton helped Burnley achieve promotion to the Premier League last season
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