Sean Dyche plans spectacular Dele Alli revival on Everton return after talks with Tottenham

Sean Dyche is eyeing a “spectacular revival” of Dele Alli’s career at Everton as the club close in on bringing the midfielder back, according to the Liverpool Echo.

The outlet reported on 12 July that the Toffees hierarchy were on the brink of an agreement with their Tottenham counterparts over a deal that would give them to “green light” to make a formal offer and re-sign the 28-year-old.

The Athletic had earlier reported that an agreement was close between the two clubs to revise the payment structure that would have entitled Spurs to a “significant” payment in the event of a new Dele contract.

He hasn’t played for the club since 13 August 2022, and hasn’t played a game for anyone since returning injured from a loan spell at Besiktas two seasons ago.

Dyche had success in getting Dominic Calvert-Lewin through long-running injury issues and is now “relishing the challenge” of getting Dele’s career back on track.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin return for Everton provide Dele Alli blueprint

Iliman Ndiaye, Jack Harrison and Tim Iroegbunam have already been brought in during the transfer window but a new deal for the free agent is perhaps the most eye-catching.

At his best he would be arguably the best player in the Toffees squad and although he hasn’t hit those heights in a long time there is clearly some confidence he’s on the up after a rough few seasons on and off the pitch.

Calvert-Lewin’s injury nightmare rendered him a shadow of his former self for two years before Dyche’s programme saw him bounce back to something of a regular last season and show enough form that he is now wanted by multiple Premier League clubs.

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The striker has rejected a contract extension and is expected to leave this summer with Manchester United tipped to sign him [TEAMtalk, 9 July] after talks over a Newcastle switch broke down earlier in the window.

He will need replacing amid strong links to Chelsea’s Armando Broja [Lyall Thomas, 11 June] but a rejuvenated Dele would be a huge boost to the side.

Dele Alli last played for Everton for nearly two years.

After his struggles in recent years it clearly can’t be taken for granted but talks wouldn’t be happening over a possible return if there wasn’t some belief it will work out and the manager’s effect on Calvert-Lewin was significant.