Dele Alli's future takes fresh twist as free agent lined up for move to European club after Everton doubts emerge
Everton released Dele Alli in June but he has continued to train with the club.
Matthew Holt
Dele Alli could finally be set the write the latest chapter in his career, only this time away from the Premier League.
Alli, 28, hasn't played competitive football since February 2023 and is currently a free agent.
The former Tottenham star is said to have been training with former side Everton but a new contract is yet to be agreed.
Alli is trying to prove his fitness to Sean Dyche in the hope of earning a new deal at Goodison Park.
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But with nothing signed so far, one club in Italy are said to have enquired about his availability.
According to Secolo XIX via Sport Witness, Serie A outfit Genoa want to bring Alli to the club to help plug a gap in their midfield.
Antonio Candreva was a concrete target for them but doubts have now emerged over a deal.
Ruslan Malinovskyi was injured two weeks ago and has sustained a serious ankle injury that has prompted the side to look around the free agent market.
Alli is said to have been discussed internally but nothing as of yet has transpired between the two parties.
Genoa remain ‘at the window’ for him, but the 28-year-old's fitness again remains the biggest concern.
The former Tottenham man was seen training hard across the summer months on social media.
Alli has not played for Everton since August 2022, in a 1-0 defeat against Chelsea.
Dyche spoke about the chances of Alli signing fresh terms with the Toffees but remained coy on their plans.
"There is a games programme still, as well," began the Everton boss last month.
"It’s not just a case of getting fit and running around with the first-team group, then he needs games, so therefore a games programme has got to come next.
"When you’ve been out that long you need a period of building up and getting to true fitness. That could take three or four games. It’s a bit like an extended pre-season, let’s say.
"Well we haven't gone down that road yet because he's not ready to play yet," added Dyche when probed on whether the club will offer fresh terms to the midfielder.
"You have to be able to play to know what the future holds."