Newcastle United have reportedly made an initial enquiry over Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli ahead of the January transfer window.
Dele Alli, 25, appears to be facing an uncertain future in north London after new manager Antonio Conte decided he will not be a key part of his plans going forward. He has been given permission to seek a new club in January, with chairman Daniel Levy unlikely to stand in the midfielder’s way this time around after blocking his move to Paris Saint-Germain last summer.
According to the TEAMtalk, Newcastle United are interested in signing Dele Alli on a six-month loan deal from Tottenham but are adamant that an option to buy should be included, with the plan of signing him on a permanent transfer if they manage to retain Premier League status between now and the end of the season.
Alli’s stock has tumbled over the last 15-18 months, failing to hold down a regular first-team spot under former manager Jose Mourinho. He enjoyed a peripheral role under Mourinho and his lack of regular opportunities led to him losing his place in Gareth Southgate’s England national team.
Having played just two minutes of Premier League football since Antonio Conte’s arrival, the English midfielder wants to leave Spurs in January to revive his once burgeoning career.
Dele Alli to Newcastle United—Should the Magpies make a move?
Newcastle are embroiled in a relegation battle at the moment, sitting 19th on the table with just one win this season so far. Eddie Howe has his task cut out at St James’ Park but he could do well with reinforcements in key areas of the pitch next month.
Given they hold the joint-worst defensive record in the division, signing a top-quality centre-back will be high on Eddie Howe’s priority list. In addition, the English tactician would do well by signing a creative midfielder to improve his team’s productivity in front of goal. And, in that regard, Dele Alli is an ideal target for Newcastle.
Alli is a versatile midfielder who is at his best when operating in the hole behind the main striker but is more than capable of playing off the left flank or in a slightly deeper role in midfield. The Englishman is strong in possession, smart and energetic, and would add the creative spark that the Magpies have lacked in the final third this season.
The 25-year-old is adept at timing his runs in the box to perfection and finishing off chances. Alli is already a Premier League-proven customer and could go a long way in improving the Magpies’ productivity in front of goal. Not only will he add quality to Newcastle’s attacking ranks, but also bring stiff competition within the squad to pull out all the stops to avoid the drop.
Thus, Howe and co. must do everything possible to sign Alli on loan from Tottenham for the rest of the season.