Everton and Tottenham are close to reaching an agreement revising the payment structure for Dele Alli, according to The Athletic.
The outlet reported via their website on 12 July that the two clubs were in ongoing discussions that would allow the Toffees to re-sign the former England star if they decide to.
Dele, 28, is currently a free agent after his contract at Goodison Park expired and under the terms of the deal that brought him to the club Spurs would have been due a “significant fee” if he signed a new deal.
Tottenham are expected to retain a sell-on clause in any new agreement that would entitle them to a fee if Everton sold him in future.
The midfielder initially arrived in the 2022 January window for no up-front payment but with £10million due once he’d played 20 games – to date he has featured 13 times for the Toffees.
Dele Alli training at Finch Farm after Everton contract expiry
Dele’s struggles have been well-documented but his ability on the pitch when at his best has never been in dispute.
It was hoped that he could find that form at Everton after losing his way at Spurs but amid extensive injury set-backs and a difficult loan at Besiktas it hasn’t yet happened on Merseyside.
He played his part in the memorable turnaround in the 3-2 victory against Crystal Palace which secured Premier League status under Frank Lampard two years ago but for now that remains the pinnacle of his Toffees career.
Dele’s emotional interview with Gary Neville a year ago tomorrow [The Overlap, 13 July] then revealed his mental health struggles and childhood abuse.
He also indicated at the time that he had a positive relationship with manager Sean Dyche despite having been unable to feature for the Toffees boss.
If a deal can be worked out with Spurs to clear the way for a return it could be a major positive as it would suggest there is real hope the former two-time PFA Young Player of the Year winner might soon be a factor on the pitch, having been training at Finch Farm during the summer as he returns from injury [Liverpool Echo, 12 July].
He had previously been thought a near-certain departure from the club along with fellow midfielder Andre Gomes [Echo, 8 May], following a report that winter talks between the two clubs had been derailed by bad feeling over Everton’s commission hearing claims that Spurs had taken advantage of financial issues to sign Richarlison for a discount [Daily Mail, 20 November].
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