Keith Downie has told Give Me Sport he is not confident Newcastle will sign Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli this month – after something a source has told him in the last 24 hours, regarding the Spurs ace and the Toon.
Dele, 25, is struggling for game time at Tottenham. Since the arrival of Antonio Conte as manager, the 37-time international has started just two Premier League matches – coming on against Leeds in the other.
Indeed, Conte’s system does not suit an attacking midfielder. He prefers to play with defensive-minded midfielders such as Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp. It has seen Dele relegated to the bench.
The defeat to Chelsea saw him completely omitted from the side. The Mail say Newcastle are keen – but so are Brighton, Burnley and Everton. Downie says a source has left him lacking confidence Newcastle will get him.
“From what I’ve heard in the last 24 hours, no,” Sky Sports reporter Downie said regarding Dele and a potential move to Newcastle in the coming hours and days. “On the face of it, you would think yes.”
Downie on Dele: Newcastle seems ideal place for Tottenham star
So it will be interesting to hear what Downie has heard or been told in the past day or two that has prevented a move from Tottenham to Newcastle. The Toon lack creativity from midfield, and Dele is ideal for that.
Indeed, having missed out on Jesse Lingard, surely Dele is the next best thing. Perhaps even better, given Dele is younger and a permanent deal might serve Newcastle better over the next few seasons.
But ultimately, it looks as if Dele might end up remaining at Tottenham – unless they can bring in another player. Luis Diaz and Adama Traore are off to Liverpool and Barcelona.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
