Ex-Everton scout explains why Dele Alli was always a 'strange' signing as injury-plagued midfielder is challenged to 'prove he wants' new contract at Goodison Park

The 37-cap England international swapped Tottenham for Everton in January 2022 but has only played 13 times for the Toffees since then. Earlier this summer, his contract at the Merseyside outfit expired and he is yet to sign a new deal with Sean Dyche's men, despite training with them in pre-season - after a string of injuries. Now, former Everton scout Bryan King has given his thoughts on this whole episode, while challenging the 28-year-old to "prove he wants" a new deal at Goodison Park.

King told Goodison News: “If Everton are prepared to get him fit, he has then got to get back to playing. It is one thing training and getting fit, but he has got to get back into match situations. Therefore decisions will still be pending. It is a strange situation. It has been strange ever since he went to Everton, I could never see him being an Everton player.

"I spoke to several people with big Everton connections, and they were also surprised the club had brought him in. He is not the sort of player who looks up for a relegation fight. However, he deserves a chance, if he is prepared to train then the next step will be matches and reintegrating into the squad. It will be interesting to see how the squad accepts him. For Dyche, if they can get him back, it could prove to be a very good free-transfer signing. Alli just needs to prove that he wants it.”

Everton reached an agreement with Tottenham to waive paying a further fee when offering Dele a new contract. However, the former Spurs star may not be offered a new deal as he looks to get his career back on track. Dele made headlines in 2023 when he spoke about his childhood, time spent in rehab and mental health issues.

Everton manager Dyche has revealed Dele is still some way off returning to action, despite training with the squad during pre-season.

“Dele is getting fitter but only really just breaking into training. Forgetting about the contact situation. He’s generally with us and getting fitter," he said.

The Toffees are due to open their new Premier League campaign at home to Brighton on August 17.