Newcastle United have reportedly made a late move to leapfrog Everton for Tottenham Hotspur star Dele Alli even as the player prepares for his Everton medical.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein via Twitter, deep-pocketed Newcastle United have made a late move to beat Everton to the signing of Tottenham Hotspur star Dele Alli in the final hours of the January transfer window.
The English midfielder was once rated among the best young talents in the Premier League. Still just 25, the two-time PFA Young Player of the Year has seen his stock fall rapidly over the past few years. His time at Tottenham is coming to an end, and it is time that he seeks a new start elsewhere.
Alli looked set to move to Everton as they look to hand Frank Lampard the tools necessary to turn around their season. A deal appeared to be all but done only for the Magpies to play spoilsport potentially.
Newcastle have had a busy January transfer window and have made several impressive and pragmatic moves. The Magpies have already landed Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood and Bruno Guimaraes on permanent deals. Aston Villa defender Matt Targett arrived from Aston Villa today, and it appears unlikely that he will be the last player to come in.
The Magpies seek to conclude a second loan deal on deadline day by bringing Alli to St. James’ Park. In the end, it could come down to what Tottenham are seeking from the player’s sale. Newcastle were linked with Alli earlier in the window and appear to have rekindled their interest after falling short of landing Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard.
The proposed move to Everton is a permanent one and could prove lucrative to Spurs in the long run. Given that Alli has fallen out of favour at N-17, it makes sense for Tottenham to cash in on the player. While Newcastle could make a late push, it remains to be seen just what terms they offer to Spurs to outdo Everton.
Letting the player go temporarily, especially if there is no obligation to buy, will not help Spurs in the long run. They have already sanctioned loan moves for Giovani Lo Celso, Tanguy Ndombele and Bryan Gil. It makes little sense to add Alli to the list, especially when there is already an offer on the table to get him off their hands.
Despite Newcastle making the late punt, Alli’s proposed move to Everton is gathering pace. The player is set to undergo his Everton medical, and a move to Merseyside looks imminent. As it stands, Newcastle appear to have missed the bus.
