Everton are in discussions with Tottenham Hotspur regarding Dele Alli's future as they continue to aid his recovery from injury.
The 28-year-old is currently training at Finch Farm, having been offered Everton's support in overcoming the groin issue that sidelined him last season. Despite being out of contract, the conditions of his transfer from Tottenham to Merseyside could complicate any attempts by Everton to offer him a new deal.
The Liverpool Echo understands that Everton are negotiating with Spurs to revise the original terms of the agreement. If successful, Dele may have the chance to prove himself during pre-season. These talks are the latest in an ongoing dialogue between the two clubs about the player.
Last season, when he seemed on the verge of returning after surgery, there were discussions about the terms of his January 2022 transfer - which made efforts to assist Dele's recovery difficult due to the payments that would have been required if he had reached performance milestones.
Although no breakthrough was achieved, these became irrelevant when the England international suffered an unfortunate setback in training to his groin injury, which ultimately prevented him from playing last season.
Dele has been putting in the graft during the off-season, hitting training camps in Portugal and London before arriving at Finch Farm right at the start of Everton's pre-season on Monday. The Toffees have been backing him all the way in his recovery journey.
The future of Dele's stint with the Blues hangs in the balance, hinging on ongoing discussions between Everton and Tottenham. If talks pan out, Dele might just snag the opportunity to argue for a fresh contract this summer.
Despite not yet gracing the pitch under Sean Dyche's management, Dele has already established a solid rapport with the Everton gaffer. Last season saw Dyche praising Dele's savvy football brain, highlighting how it helps in relaying tactical concepts to the squad.
Dyche shared his insights last November, saying: "You forget that he has experienced some really big things in football. He's played in a Champions League final, he's played in a World Cup semi-final. These are amazing things he's experienced.
"People, sometimes, lose sight of that. I'm not accusing anyone of anything, that's just the way it is. He's worked with some really big managers, very good managers with interesting ways of playing. Why wouldn't I go: 'Dele what's your thoughts? ' I trust these players."