Everton beat Paris Saint-Germain and several Ligue 1 sides to sign Dele Alli on deadline day after Tottenham Hotspur hastily offered the midfielder out for last-ditch loan transfers.
That’s according to L’Equipe, who report Spurs approached a raft of French top-flight sides to sound out any interest. Alli was also ready to travel across the Channel in search of more regular game time than he was afforded under Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte.
Alli has only started eight of his 10 Premier League appearances so far this season and has only scored once. The 25-year-old is also yet to provide an assist over 657-minutes to date.
Tottenham contacted Paris Saint-Germain, Lyon, Marseille, Lille, Rennes, Nice and Monaco among the Ligue 1 sides approached to discuss Alli. Spurs hoped at least one would accept a chance to loan the 37-cap England international for the remainder of the season.
However, Everton came in on deadline day and submitted an offer for Alli’s transfer that Tottenham could not turn down. So, instead of leaving north London temporarily, the midfielder sealed a permanent switch to Goodison Park.
Everton will not pay Tottenham for Alli’s transfer until next season, though. The Guardian report the Milton Keynes-born maestro will cost the Toffees £10m after his 20th outing. But as he has already featured in the FA Cup this term, he only has 18 games available to him.
Lampard key to Everton winning race for Alli transfer from Tottenham
New Everton manager Frank Lampard was likely instrumental to the Blues winning the race for Alli’s transfer from Tottenham. The Sun reported prior to the Toffees hiring the England legend that he had earmarked Alli as one of his top targets during the interview process.
Lampard’s initial aim was to loan Alli – who he has called a ‘special’ player – for the rest of the season. But as Everton already had Anwar El Ghazi and added Donny van de Beek on temporary deals in January, they could not strike a third from within the Premier League.
So, Everton Chairman Bill Kenwright travelled to London to meet Tottenham Chairman Daniel Levy and thrash out a permanent transfer for Alli. Sky Sports note the deal could reach £40m after future add-ons based on his future performances on Merseyside.
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