Everton transfer deadline day: 5 best transfer rumours rated
By Rob Fisher
Dele Alli could only be bought on a permanent deal now
Possibility of the deal – 6/10 (permanent only)
2. Dele Alli
As mentioned already, Everton have used their loan Premier League quota of two players with Van De Beek set to join Anwar El Ghazi in this window. That means any move for another Premier League player in this window would have to be permanent, but this does not close the door on Dele Alli.
As I reported the other day about possible loan deals for Alli or his Spurs teammate Tanguy Ndombele, now that type of deal cannot be done. That definitely rules out any move for Ndombele as Everton could not afford a permanent deal. However, for Alli, there could be an opportunity.
Spurs have been active in the transfer window and this will only heighten the thoughts that they would accept a cheaper deal for Alli. He was left out of the squad to play Chelsea before the winter break.
It is thought Spurs would take somewhere around £18-20 million for the England attacking midfielder. While Everton are suffering due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) if they shifted one player out in a permanent deal this could well make a move for Alli viable.
Even with Van De Beek coming in, only on loan, however, Everton could do with as much attacking creativity from central midfield roles as the squad severely lacks this. Lampard has played two of these types of players in his formations before with Derby and Chelsea.
As I say if Everton moved on a first-team player in a permanent deal then an incoming deal of this value could well be struck and Alli would definitely enjoy having a chance to link up with England legend Lampard.