An update regarding the future of Dele Alli has emerged as he continues to train with Everton ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Alli last played a competitive game of football in February 2023, when he featured for Besiktas in their clash against Antalyaspor.
Since then, the England international has suffered numerous setbacks. After his loan deal at the Turkish club came to an end in April, he returned to Everton and was close to returning for their pre-season campaign.
But he picked up further injuries, including a persistent groin issue in January that required surgery.
Alli, who bravely opened up on his mental health struggles last year, is currently a free agent after his contract at Everton expired at the end of June.
But he is being allowed to train with the Toffees as he continues his intensive rehabilitation programme from the long-term groin injury.
Speaking in a statement, director of football Kevin Thelwell said in May: "Dele’s contract is coming to an end, but our medical team will continue to support him while he completes the intensive rehabilitation programme he is currently undergoing following the operation he had earlier this year.
"Both Sean and I agree it is important we ensure Dele’s rehabilitation is not impacted by his contract situation at such a critical point in his recovery.”
In fact, the Liverpool Echo suggest Everton are in talks with Tottenham Hotspur about renegotiating the original terms of their transfer agreement to sign Alli.
Dele signed for Everton in 2022 in a deal that included several performance-related add-ons.
The report states: 'While he is now out of contract, the terms of the move that brought him to Merseyside from Tottenham would complicate any attempt by the Blues to sign him to a new deal.'
If talks are successful, then Alli could be offered a new deal at Goodison Park this summer.
Alli revealed back in April that his aim is to play for England at the 2026 World Cup.
“I spoke about it in my interview and don't want to go over it too much again – but I know my level as a player and what I can get to," he said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.
“I know how good I can be when my head is in the right place and I'm feeling good. Obviously I'm disappointed with the injury right now but I'm excited to get playing.
“It's hard for me to even watch football. It's been tough for me, I'd say, this past eight months has been hard to watch.”
Alli added: “You know you can set reminders on your phone, I have a reminder at 11 o'clock every day that says, ‘World Cup 2026’. That's my aim for now. I think that people will be like, ‘he hasn't played in a year’ but I don't care, I know my level.
“The only target I have is the World Cup right now. Obviously I'm injured and contracted to Everton and so my mind is just about taking it day by day and making sure my injury is healed and that I'm in the best possible condition after the summer.
“It's annoying because I'll be just fully training as the season ends so it means that I won't have to rush it.”