Following the release of Dele Alli images, £40 million Tottenham talks could unleash an Everton game-changer for Sean Dyche.
According to the midfielder’s latest social media posting, bringing Dele Alli into the team this season could be a game changer for Sean Dyche.
The manager confirmed earlier this season that the Toffees are in talks with Tottenham [Daily Mail, 22 September], with a £10 million payment due to the London club if the 27-year-old plays seven more times, as part of the £40 million deal that brought him to Goodison Park for no upfront money two seasons ago [Sky Sports].
With a takeover still pending and the outcome of their independent commission hearing for an alleged profit and sustainability breach yet to be announced, Everton appear to be unable to afford the fee to use Dele for much longer.
He has been out of action so far this season as he recovers from offseason surgery, having made just 13 appearances during a difficult start to the season and a turbulent loan to Besiktas last season.
However, in an interview with Gary Neville on The Overlap (13 July) about his personal struggles, the former Spurs man spoke of Dyche’s support, regardless of any plans for him to return to the Everton side.
The manager later revealed that Kevin Thelwell had been in contact with Tottenham about modifying the terms of his original contract, implying that there is still a chance he will play for the Toffees in the future.
Dele has now posted a video of himself in individual training on his Instagram page (15 November), with the caption: “It’s not over until I win.”
It is easy to read too much into social media posts, but with the former England star looking fit and almost ready to return to the first-team, the caption gives the impression of a rejuvenated player after so much difficulty.
Everyone is aware of the quality Dele has shown in the past, and even if he never quite reaches the same heights again, he could be a jewel in this Toffees squad if he can feature on a regular basis.
As a result, it appears that a great deal is now riding on the outcome of the talks with Tottenham, as the only alternatives would be for him to sit out or play elsewhere.
Abdoulaye Doucouré has emerged as a key player for Dyche in the advanced midfield role, but there is no obvious replacement unless Dele returns.
If he is cleared, he has the ability to take a rapidly improving Everton side to the next level, even as an impact substitute.
Nobody outside of his inner circle knows for sure, but after the summer interview, the club attempting to find a way for him to play again, and now the attitude displayed on his social media, he appears to be ready to make up for lost time.
In other Everton news, a clause from an eight-figure Toffees deal has emerged to show that a club has first refusal on a Goodison Park star.
