Everton and Tottenham both ‘genuinely’ want resolution for Dele Alli as Daniel Levy verdict issued on transfer renegotiation
It “wouldn’t make a lot of sense” for Tottenham to renegotiate the terms of Dele Alli’s transfer with Everton, according to Paul Brown.
The former Daily Star journalist told GIVEMESPORT (25 September) that both sides “genuinely” want to see the Toffees midfielder “playing and succeeding and looking happy again” in light of the “tough time” he’s had off the pitch, but changing the terms of his move to Goodison Park is not something Daniel Levy “commonly” does.
Sean Dyche admitted Kevin Thelwell was set to seek an agreement with Spurs that will “work for everyone” [Mirror, 23 September], with the 27-year-old currently seven appearances away from triggering a £10million payment from the cash-strapped Toffees.
Brown said: “It wouldn’t make a lot of sense from Tottenham’s point of view to renegotiate it now, and it’s not something that Daniel Levy commonly does. You know, it would depend on exactly how they want it re-negotiated and what they are suggesting.
“I know there is quite a lot of affection out there for Dele Alli and people want to see him do well. I think both clubs actually do acknowledge that the guy’s had a tough time recently and would genuinely like to see him out there playing and succeeding and looking happy again.”
Good will
On paper Tottenham have no obligation to help Everton loosen the terms they agreed to in order to bring Dele to the club a year and a half ago.
But if the Toffees can’t afford to pay the instalments that would be on the cards for his appearances it is ultimately the man himself who is going to suffer most because he will be left in limbo and not playing.
His interview with Gary Neville (13 July) brought to light some of the issues he has been dealing with personally, and perhaps indicates why both sides might be able to reach an agreement in this case.
If Dele can get anywhere near his best he would be a huge asset to Sean Dyche’s side, but that is surely going to take time to reach if it is possible.
It is unlikely that any set of talks would free the Toffees from all obligations to compensate Spurs, but since his former side surely moved on from expecting a hefty windfall some time ago in a practical sense it would be beneficial all round for a resolution to be reached.
So far the former England star’s move to Goodison Park has not brought about the revival that would have been hoped for, with the gradual development under Frank Lampard abruptly abandoned for a Besiktas loan last season that ultimately didn’t work out.
The relationship between Dele and Dyche sounded positive from his summer interview, so if both stick around long enough at the club there might be a route back yet.
In other Everton news, a former Toffees player has reacted to the reported threat of a takeover collapse by invoking a well-known dismissal.