Eddie Howe had twice considered making a move for Dele Alli before the Newcastle United head coach mulled over a third approach in January. The former England international was in desperate need of kickstarting his career having failed to impress a succession of managers at Tottenham.
In theory, it was a deal that could have made sense given the circumstances seven months ago. Newcastle had tried before to lure Dele to Tyneside, Tottenham were desperate to offload the attacking midfielder and Howe was backed with funds and keen to add goals to his side.
However, in the end it was Everton who decided to take a gamble on the now 26-year-old. Newcastle were tentatively linked with a deadline-day swoop, but no approach was forthcoming and the Toffees beat the deadline to agree an initial free transfer that could reportedly rise to up to £40 million.
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Howe was asked about the speculation days after the window closed, with Dele's debut for his new club coming as a substitute at St James' Park in the 3-1 defeat for the visitors. Everton's new number 36 notably clashed with Joelinton, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Given the vast number of transfer targets typically put to Howe, the Newcastle boss is understandably keen to avoid commenting on every link. In the case of Dele though, Howe did not distance the club from reports and admitted his admiration for the former Tottenham star.
He told reporters: “There are a whole host of things that could have maybe dropped in a different way but that’s the beauty of the transfer window. All I’ll say on Dele is he is a player I’ve admired and liked for many, many years, obviously tracked his progress from MK Dons through to what he’s done at Tottenham and the national team. He’s a top player.”
With a little over a fortnight to go in the latest transfer window, Newcastle remain in the same position of searching for attacking reinforcements. The latest name under the microscope is Watford forward Joao Pedro, and the need for quality in the final third has already been demonstrated in the opening two games of the season.
Dele in his prime was coveted by Europe's elite and would have been ideal for this Newcastle side. The former MK Dons prospect netted 28 Premier League goals in his first two seasons at Tottenham, and made his Three Lions debut at the age of 19.
But the current iteration of Dele is unfortunately a shadow of the teenager who once took the top-flight by storm. Frank Lampard took a punt on helping the two-time PFA Young Player of the Year rediscover his best form, yet reports suggest Everton are already open to allowing the attacking midfielder to leave Goodison Park.
The Athletic claim Besiktas are now 'pushing hard' to convince Dele to rebuild his career in Turkey. The January signing is yet to score in 13 appearances for the Toffees, and has been used twice as a substitute this term.
The unique deal to bring Dele to Merseyside means Tottenham will reportedly be owed £10m if the attacking midfielder plays 20 games for Everton. Further payments also believed to be tied to appearances, although the former Mauricio Pochettino favourite is said to be one of the top earners at Everton.
Dele is so far looking a gamble which has not paid off for Lampard, although the structure of the transfer means it is currently not proving to be a costly one. For Newcastle though, it is vindication for the club's reluctance to simply pull the trigger on any available deal which from the outside seemingly ticks the boxes.
Howe's side are undoubtedly stronger than the one which finished last season, although there will be undeniable frustration if support for Callum Wilson and an upgrade out wide are not secured. However, Dele's short stint at Everton so far proves Newcastle are right to be cautious and wait for the right player and the right deal.
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