Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League • England

Roy Keane offers Tottenham star brilliant advice as high-profile Newcastle transfer looms

Roy Keane, Sky Sports pundit gives transfer advice to Dele Alli - pic via Sky Sports

Roy Keane insists the time is right for Dele Alli to leave Tottenham after offering the midfielder some solid advice over what he needs to do next.

The former England man is becoming increasingly concerned over his long-term future and wants more game time. Once lauded as one of the country’s best young stars, Dele has fallen a long way back from the two seasons from 2016 – 2018 when he scored 36 goals.

And, having been left out of their squad entirely for Sunday’s trip to Chelsea, speculation has increased that Alli’s time is up.

In fact, the 25-year-old – who won the last of his 37 England caps in 2019 – has only featured in six games since Antonio Conte took charge.

Indeed, reports earlier in the day claim a move to Newcastle is edging closer.

Now Keane claims a move away from Tottenham must happen this month for Alli. He insists only a fresh start can help reignite his stalling career and he needs to do so as soon as possible.

“I think the kid’s lost the eye of the tiger,” Keane told Sky Sports, as cited by the Daily Express. “I think sometimes you have to let a kid go.”

“That’s the nature of football. You’ve done your time here, you’ve obviously lost your way, be good to the kid, you’ve been a good signing for us.

“They paid £5m for him, let the kid go.”

And when quizzed on Alli’s next move, Keane reckons a switch to Newcastle will prove a smart move.

“[He could] get his career going up there,” Keane added. “The fans would love him if he comes in.”

Newcastle are embroiled in a relegation battle, but gave their hopes a shot in the arm with a dogged 1-0 win at Leeds on Saturday.

Conte coy on Dele Alli exit and Tottenham incomings

Given Tottenham are desperate for cash to generate their own signings, it’s unlikely they would stand in Dele’s way were a bid to come in.

However, Conte was giving little away when questioned after his side’s 2-0 loss on Sunday.

Dele Alli made available for January move

Dele Alli made available for January move

Dele Alli will be allowed to leave Spurs in January.

The Italian manager was also asked about incoming transfers in his post-match interview, something which he was very coy about.

“This is not the right moment to speak, the club know very well what I think,” he said. “There is not one transfer market to close the gap.

“The last few years this gap became very big and now it is not simple to find a solution in a short time.

“You need many years, but for sure we have to start. You have to sell or loan players and it is difficult. And then you have to find the right players for you.

“It won’t be easy. I spoke with the club and I am totally in this position of the club to work and improve the situation on the pitch.

“I am enjoying my time in Tottenham. We have four months to work and get the best possible result. I am proud of the effort. Sometimes you can push 100% but it is not enough.”

On the other side of the coin, Dele Alli looks set to leave in the window. But Conte claimed that saga is out of his hands.

He said: “I don’t want to comment on single players. There is the club to make the best decision. There is a sporting director and chairman and they take the last decision.”

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