Everton: Paul Brown reacts to Dele Alli latest as Tottenham talks mooted

Everton: Paul Brown reacts to Dele Alli latest as Tottenham talks mooted

Everton transfer news: Paul Brown reacts to Dele Alli latest as Tottenham talks mooted

Everton would pull off “a hell of an achievement” if they are able to renegotiate terms with Tottenham over midfielder Dele Alli, according to journalist Paul Brown.

The Toffees are due to pay Tottenham £10million once the former England midfielder makes seven more appearances for them, as per a clause in the agreement that saw him swap clubs in February 2022.

However, The Mirror reported last Thursday (2 November) that Everton have opened talks with fellow Premier League side Spurs in the hope of tweaking those terms.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT [8 November], former Express journalist Brown said it would be a “surprise” if Tottenham showed a willingness to to renegotiate the agreement.

“I think that there’s still a lot of love for Dele at Spurs,” Brown said. “He was there for quite some time. He was a big part of their success under [Mauricio] Pochettino. He still has a lot of friends there.

“His career has taken a bit of a nosedive since then, and he’s had some personal issues. I don’t think Everton can be counting on any generosity from Spurs over this.

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“Ultimately, football is a business, and it’s not their fault if Everton can’t afford to or doesn’t want to pay the extra money in the clauses for Dele for any reason.

“So, it would surprise me if Spurs were to renegotiate this because there doesn’t seem to be any reason they would. If Everton can get a renegotiated deal, that would be a hell of an achievement. But it doesn’t hurt to try.”

Not fair

This whole Dele situation is a real sad state of affairs. While the midfielder may currently be recovering from an injury setback in the summer, it is unlikely he will feature too often once he is back available.

We have not see a whole deal from the 27-year-old to suggest he can be a regular under Sean Dyche, but that is not to say he could not still have a part to play in certain games.

However, with Everton reluctant to trigger this first payment clause, Dele’s career is effectively going to be in limbo while he is still at Goodison Park.

Tottenham have no reason to reopen dialogue with Everton, as a contract was signed by both clubs 21 months ago. That is not to say Everton have to play Dele, but it is not fair on the midfielder either way.

The inevitable outcome in all this seems to be another fresh start for Dele elsewhere at some point in 2024.