Dele Alli sent ‘time for the talking to stop’ transfer message as ex-Tottenham star prepares to leave Everton as a free agent with ‘bit between his teeth’

The former England international has endured a torrid time of late, with injury struggles contributing to a serious dip in form. After taking in just 13 appearances for Everton, and spending time on loan in Turkey at Besiktas, Dele will see his contract at Goodison Park expire in the summer.

At 28 years of age, the ex-Tottenham playmaker is approaching an important career crossroads that may allow him to hit the reset button. It is vital that he gets his next move right, with there no doubting the ability that he possesses.

Karl Robinson worked with Dele during his younger years at MK Dons and has told talkSPORT of an enigmatic talent: “Tottenham was the right environment for him. There was proof in his meteoric rise. What Mauricio [Pochettino] did with him at Tottenham was incredible, he got to a Champions League final. Everyone has a back story and a problem in their lives and when we find it difficult, it does come back to bite us. Some people have different coping mechanisms, some people have better coping mechanisms. In Dele's case, his was something he has to deal with personally. He then comes back and gets injured, which sets him back probably another 12 months. For me, Dele went in to try to be an individual then from that moment, everything went wrong. He tried to be an individual, the mental health situation he had, going to the rehab clinic in America. It all started coming out. No-one knew at that moment where Dele was in his life."

Robinson added on the approach that needs to be taken in order to make the future brighter than the present and recent past: “It's time for the talking to stop now. He has to have a summer where his pre-season is right, all his talking and positivity is brilliant. I'm happy to see him happy first and foremost. Now I'll be even happier if he goes and does what he loves. I know he's working hard, I know he's got the bit between his teeth, I do know he wants to be successful. I do know he's looking in the face of adversity and there will be an element of fear because we all carry that. The big thing for me is stands there, puts his chest out and works his hardest and success will follow that.”

It has been suggested that Dele may have to take a step backwards in order to start moving forward again, as he escapes the Premier League spotlight, but plenty of interest in his services is expected to be shown if he can prove that long-standing fitness problems are finally behind him.