Fabrizio Romano: £22.5 million man on his way to Everton

The transfer deadline day often spills surprises. Everton are already having a busy transfer deadline day. After announcing Frank Lampard as the new Everton boss, the Toffees are preparing to announce Donny van de Beek. Surely though, the first piece of business done today will be Dele Alli.

Alli had emerged as a target he was a name discussed with Lampard during the interviews. The English manager wanted to sign him and as things stand, Alli could be the latest Everton signing. Alli’s signing takes Everton’s January business to five players. Nathan Patterson and Vitaliy Mykolenko have arrived permanently meanwhile Anwar El Ghazi and Van de Beek have been signed on short loan deals.

Alli was free to leave Tottenham Hotspur as he was not in Antonio Conte’s plans. The 25 year old has just played 18 games this season, slipping down the pecking order. With Lampard taking over the reins at Goodison Park, he did discuss potential signings on deadline day.

Apart from Van de Beek, the names of Idrissa Gueye and Alli were mentioned but until now it seemed unclear whether the Toffees would manage to get any of these deals through on deadline day. Gueye loan deal looks dead as of now but out of nowhere, Everton have managed to get hold of Alli.

Everton reach an agreement for Dele Alli

Alli was also said to be a target for Crystal Palace but Everton have agreed on a transfer for Spurs player Alli. According to Fabrizio Romano, Alli to Everton is a done deal as an agreement has been reached. Lampard wanted Van de Beek and Alli and the Royal Blues have managed to deliver the desired players to the new manager.

The deal is a permanent deal as Everton have exhausted the room for domestic loan signings after acquiring El Ghazi and Van de Beek. The Merseysiders have probably stuck a smart deal, acquiring the attacking midfielder on a free transfer. Once the player plays 20 games, Everton will pay £10 million.

Given the number of games remaining, there’s a high chance that the club will only pay a fee for Alli next season which dissolves any FFP worries that might have surfaced based on January spending.

Alli’s form and performances have dipped in the last couple of seasons and if there is someone who can revive a player of his profile, it is Lampard. It will be important that Alli remains confident and believes in his talent.

Will Dele Alli rediscover himself at Goodison?