Sean Dyche has offered a positive update on Dele Alli’s recovery as the player’s training intensity at Everton increases.
Despite his contract expiring last month, the 28-year-old is continuing his rehabilitation at Finch Farm, having returned on the first day of pre-season following private fitness sessions in the UK and Portugal.
Dele, who was part of the pre-season squad in Ireland, has built a strong relationship with Dyche and could reportedly stay on Merseyside.
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It has been widely reported that Everton and Tottenham Hotspur have discussed the possibility of addressing a clause in Dele’s original deal that could hamper a potential contract renewal by the Blues. These talks are preliminary and depend on Dele’s recovery and performance this summer.
The boss gives his verdict on today’s exam at the end of another week of hard work. #CFE image.twitter.com/ADFO4p7RYY
— Everton (@Everton) July 27, 2024
Following the 2-1 defeat in a pre-season friendly against Salford City, Dyche praised Dele’s progress, saying: “Dele is getting fitter but he’s only just starting to train. Leaving aside the contract situation, overall he’s with us and he’s getting better.”
Dyche reflected on the result and stressed the importance of improving fitness at this stage: “It’s about getting players through the fitness phase, giving them as many minutes as possible and protecting them physically. Tactical planning will be fine-tuned as we get closer to the season, but for now it’s about balancing minutes and avoiding risks after a physically demanding week.”
Dele became a free agent after the 2023/24 season when his contract at Goodison Park expired.
There was speculation about a fresh start and a move elsewhere, especially as his last competitive appearance came in February 2023 during a loan spell at Turkish side Besiktas.
