Dele Alli set to make shock return to Premier League club as plan set out for game time

Dele Alli is set to make a shock return at a Premier League club as he hopes to earn a new contract in a positive update.

Alli is a free agent but is training with Everton, where he signed a two-and-a-half-year contract in January 2022.

He hasn't played football since his loan spell at Besiktas, having struggled for over a year with injuries.

But the 28-year-old is on the verge of returning to the pitch after doing well in training at Everton.

According to Sky Sports' Alan Myers, he heard that things are going well behind the scenes for the star midfielder.

He's not contracted with Everton but has been using their facilities for rehab at the club's training base in Finch Farm and is expected to sign a deal once he makes his first-team return, per the report.

On X, he wrote: "I believe he’s all good and is closer to having some game time (U21’s) etc only what I’ve heard."

In another tweet, Myers claimed a deal has been agreed in principle with the Toffees.

"As far as I’m aware a deal has been agreed in principle but that will only kick in once he’s fit and ready to play," he added.

Dele Alli watches an Everton game. Image: Getty

Alli made 13 appearances across all competitions for Everton during his first stint at the club following his free transfer from Tottenham.

It appears a second spell at the Goodison Park outfit is on the cards.

Speaking in the summer, Everton boss Sean Dyche provided an update on the former England international, saying: "He is not ready to play yet, he has not played in a long time."

Asked if Alli was keen to stay, he replied: "Well we haven't gone down that road yet because he's not ready to play yet. You have to be able to play to know what the future holds."

Dyche continued: "Don’t forget he’s hardly had any actual football, as in games, for a long time.

"There is a games programme still, as well. 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."