'This isn't the Championship or Under-21s' - Dele Alli brutally told he 'doesn't stand a chance' of Everton comeback unless he proves one key thing to Sean Dyche

Despite his contract expiring in the summer, Dele remains part of Everton's setup. The 28-year-old carried out his rehabilitation for a long-term thigh injury with the club's medical staff and is training with Sean Dyche's first-team squad. The Athletic reported last week that a one-year deal is likely to be offered to Dele provided he can prove his fitness in the next few weeks, but former Toffees scout Bryan King has reservations about his ability to make an impact for the club.

Dele joined Everton in 2022 in a move that was expected to revitalise a career that had stagnated at Tottenham, but it hasn't worked out that way. Injuries have meant he hasn't played since February 2023, and it's been a long journey back to this point where he's able to train with an Everton team that could do with an injection of quality. While both sides are hopeful the former England international can make an impact, King believes Dele must show he's willing to fight in order to make a successful comeback.

"He could certainly be an asset for the team," King told Goodison News. "However, he has lost over a year of his football career. He would need to come back extremely hungry to get into the team. He's got to show that he's willing to fight and willing to be an important part of the squad with his performances. He has a lot to do to prove to Sean Dyche and Everton that he can be a key player for them. This isn't the Championship or Under-21s he is coming back to. This is the Premier League and you've got to be up and running. Hopefully, he has been working hard behind the scenes otherwise he doesn't stand a chance."

The Athletic noted that the next month is "pivotal" in Dele's hopes of securing his Everton future. Dyche's team currently sit bottom of the Premier League table after losing both of their opening games and are yet to score, so adding a motivated Dele, who harbours ambitions of making England's 2026 World Cup squad, could provide a significant boost.