Everton: Dele Alli move could be on hold as Valerien Ismael remains coy
Everton may have to wait to sanction the exit of midfielder Dele Alli as the Besiktas manager holds his tongue on the matter.
The 26-year-old was due to be unveiled by the Turkish Super League club at their weekend fixture with Faith Karagumruk, as reported by Fanatik, but the Englishman did not travel to Istanbul as predicted.
The England international was instead an unused substitute as the Toffees drew 1-1 at home to Nottingham Forest and with the world’s media now going quiet on the deal, there could be cause for concern.
Even Besiktas manager Valerien Ismael, formerly of Barnsley and West Brom in the Championship, has refused to bite when he was asked about the potential arrival of Alli at Vodafone Park Arena.
“I don’t comment on the names. Ceyhun is working hard on this issue. We are working on how we can improve the squad,” he said, as quoted by Sabah.
With previous reports suggesting that a medical was booked and flights practically arranged to complete the move, it is a surprise that there has not been more rumours or talk surrounding the deal that would see Everton avoid a big bill they would have to pay Tottenham Hotspur if he makes 20 appearances for the club.
There is always the possibility that Frank Lampard has had a change of heart at Goodison Park and he now wants to keep the England international around to play as a false nine with only Salomon Rondon a natural striker available.
But if that was the case, then surely he would have featured against Steve Cooper’s newly-promoted Forest rather than being left to twiddle his fingers on the bench.
Whatever is holding up this deal is not beneficial for Everton whatsoever with time running out for Kevin Thelwell to mastermind more new signings before the transfer window closes on 1 September.