03 February 2024 , 06:00
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Tottenham and Everton are still in talks regarding the contractual terms of Dele Alli's transfer following his move over two years ago.
He signed for Everton in January 2022, soon after Frank Lampard became the team's manager. In the agreement, Everton did not have to pay anything upfront, but they would need to start paying once Dele hit certain targets on the field.
Everton still need to shell out £10m after Dele's 20th game for the club, but having played just 13 games so far the financial issues at Everton have led them to seek a waiver for this payment from Tottenham.
Lampard, who recruited Dele, was let go halfway through the 2022-23 season. Sean Dyche, the current manager, confirmed that negotiations are continuing.
Prior to December's meeting between the sides Dyche admitted to reporters: "No not yet," when asked if there was any agreement, and added, "Kev (director of football Kevin 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."
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Dele has played just 13 games for Everton (PA)The last season saw Dele loaned out to Besiktas, having only started one game for Everton in his first half-season with them. A groin injury has kept him sidelined since the summer. He was back in training by December, but then admitted he had suffered a new injury on New Year's Eve and he underwent surgery last month.
Earlier in December Dyche had said: "He's on the grass but not with us yet. He's back fully on the grass with the sports science side, fitness, going through football-related drills but the actual freedom to come and join in with us he's not there yet. Hopefully over the next week he'll start slowly blending in.
"He's still got a bit to go because obviously he's been out a long time, he needs game programme and all that. To get him back on with us would be really pleasing.
"He's so unlucky, the last time 12-13 weeks ago he was really unlucky for the damage that was done but the good news is it's been settling down and he's feeling good. I literally just saw him as we were walking in here and he said: 'Yeah, I'm feeling great'."