EXCLUSIVE: Everton ready to axe high profile star with Tottenham poised to take big hit

Everton could move on from Dele Alli in the summer before being required to pay Tottenham a single penny, TEAMtalk understands.

The career of Dele Alli had reached a crossroad at Tottenham earlier this season. The attacking midfielder was once viewed as one of the brightest players in his position in world football.

Indeed, Alli was a constant menace to opposing defences during his early Spurs spell under the guiding hand of Mauricio Pochettino.

However, Alli’s form and fortunes tumbled in subsequent years. That led to several prolonged stints outside of Spurs’ regular starting eleven under multiple different managers.

The England international was ultimately given a fresh start when signed by the Toffees on deadline day in January. A two-and-a-half year deal was signed, though Spurs did not receive a fee up front.

Instead, the deal for the 25-year-old could be worth up to £40million to Tottenham, but it is only paid in instalments and as yet, Everton have not paid a penny.

The first payment of £10million is due once Alli has played 20 first-team games. But as it stands, that mark won’t be reached until next season – if it happens at all.

Dele Alli impact less than expected

Alli is yet to start a game for Everton since arriving. Instead he has come off the bench six times for Frank Lampard.

Pundit Paddy Kenny recently offered a scathing review of Alli’s talents, claiming he’s “not good enough to start” matches.

Everton have lost five of the six matches in which Alli has featured. The Toffees have also failed to score on four of those occasions. Clearly, Alli is yet to make the type of impact Everton’s decision-makers were hoping for.

Dele Alli future on the line at Everton

Everton midfielder Dele Alli has been told by pundits that his time is running out to make an impact at Everton and keep his place at the club

Lampard’s side are currently embroiled in a relegation scrap, sitting just three points above Watford in 18th. However, they do possess two matches in hand over the Hornets.

Irrespective of whether Everton beat the drop, Alli could now be on the move again in the summer.

Given his minimal impact, we understand the club are considering severing ties prematurely to avoid being on the hook for the costly future payments.

If axed, Tottenham’s chances of recouping any of the £40m negotiated would go by the wayside.