Dele Alli closing in on return to Everton action as Sean Dyche delivers encouraging update on ex-Tottenham star

The 28-year-old has not played a competitive game of any kind since February 2023 – during a forgettable loan spell at Turkish side Besiktas. Dele has endured issues on and off the field since then, which has brought his professional career to a halt.

Another operation was undergone in January, as fitness problems become all too familiar, and a long road to recovery has been taken in since then – with the odd setback being endured along the way. Dele became a free agent at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

Tottenham have, however, agreed to waive the fee that they would be due if Dele were to sign fresh terms at Everton – and he has joined them for pre-season training. He did not figure in a friendly date with Sligo, but could soon be back out on the field.

Toffees boss Sean Dyche told the club’s official website when offering an update on those that are currently being ruled out of his plans: “[James Tarkowski] has got a minor niggle at this stage and we have to be careful. We’ve got some other players we’re just being a bit careful with – they’re okay, just a few niggles that we’re going to monitor but nothing too serious. We’re hopeful with Tarky, hopefully it’s nothing. Jarrad [Branthwaite] is making good progress as are Patto [Nathan Patterson] and Dele so we’ll see how those guys go. At this stage it’s nothing too serious so we’re thankful for that.”

Dele needs to be back on the field sooner rather than later, with a decision required on his future ahead of the 2024-25 campaign. If there is no room for him at Goodison Park, then a fresh challenge can be taken on.