Dele Alli is the new Jesse Lingard? Transfer for ex-Spurs star mooted as Everton contract winds down towards free agency

Back in January 2021, the Hammers took a calculated gamble on ex-England international Lingard. A loan deal with Manchester United was put in place, with a fresh start allowing an out-of-sorts playmaker to rediscover a lost spark in east London.

Lingard justified that show of faith with nine goals in 16 appearances, with confidence restored to his game. No permanent transfer was ever put in place, and Lingard - after leaving Old Trafford as a free agent in 2022 - is now plying his trade in South Korea with FC Seoul.

Dele is now treading a similar path to his one-time Three Lions team-mate, with the 28-year-old seeing his contract at Everton run down. According to football.london, a switch to the London Stadium could be considered. They claim: “David Moyes may need to bring in an attack-minded midfielder this summer amid speculation regarding Lucas Paqueta and a big-money move to Man City. The Scottish manager got the very best out of Jesse Lingard during a short loan spell during the 2020-21 season, with the former England international going on to net nine goals in 16 games. So could Moyes potentially get Alli back to his previous heights? A switch to east London could certainly work in the player's favour if he is to be a free agent ahead of next term.”

Dele has rather lost his way over recent years, with only 13 appearances for Everton taken in since a January 2022 move to Goodison Park. His last competitive appearance of any kind came in February 2023 during a loan stint at Turkish side Besiktas.