02 November 2023 , 22:30
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Everton have begun talks with Spurs over a possible plan to rescue Dele Alli’s career.
Blues boss Sean Dyche has revealed that ‘background talks’ with Dele’s former club have begun over his future, as he begins the long process of rehab following a serious injury setback this summer.
The Goodison club had agreed a complex deal with Tottenham to sign the former England star back in January 2022, where they paid nothing up front, but could pay up to £30m depending on appearances.
The first payment - of £10m - is triggered when Dele plays his 20th game for Everton …but after some injury issues and a loan period with Besiktas, he has played just 13 times for the Merseyside club, with only one start.
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But with Everton’s current dire financial predicament, there is no chance they will let him reach the 20 mark of appearances, unless they have a clear agreement with Spurs to waive that fee.
Dyche is keen to give him game time, as he looks to offer support to Dele in his attempt to resurrect a career which he admitted, in a recent interview with Gary Neville, had been affected by mental health issues relating to his childhood.
And the Blues boss revealed that Everton’s Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell had approached Spurs to try and come up with a solution. Asked if there had been any progress on the situation, he replied:
“No not yet, Kev (Thelwell) has had a couple of phone calls just lightly in the background, (asking Tottenham) look where do you see it?’ But nothing has changed at the moment.”
Dyche suggested the situation is not yet too pressing, with Dele still a long way from fitness as he starts his rehab, and able to play six more matches for Everton without triggering the payment.
“I must make it clear he is on the grass but still a long way from being fit, he is not training with us he is with the sports science staff.
“He is just really getting back to where he was He was drastically unfortunate when the rehab (went) wrong after an operation, and it is almost more time than the original moment.
“But the specialists advised to leave it alone and just let it heal naturally. He is in a good place, but he is still quite far away (from playing).”