Everton are in talks with Tottenham over a possible plan to rescue Dele Alli's career.
Sean Dyche has revealed that 'background talks' with Spurs have begun over his future.
When the Toffees signed Dele from Spurs, they paid nothing up front - but could pay up to £30 million depending on appearances.
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The first payment of £10 million is triggered after Dele records 20 appearances for Everton.
However, he's just managed 13 games for the club, having only started one match. A new injury setback and a loan spell at Besiktas have restricted playing time at the Merseyside outfit.
But with Everton's dire financial situation, there is little chance the 27-year-old will reach the 20 mark of games, unless they have an agreement with the North London outfit to waive that payment.
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The Blues boss wants to give Dele minutes on the pitch in a bid to resurrect his career after bravely opening up to Gary Neville.
Asked about the player's situation, Dyche replied: "No, not yet. Kev [Thelwell] has had a couple of phone calls, just lightly in the background, [asking Tottenham], 'Look where do you see it?' But nothing has changed at the moment."
Dyche, though, admits the star midfielder is still a long way from being fully fit.
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“I must make it clear he is on the grass but still a long way from being fit, he is not training with us he is with the sports science staff," he added.
"He is just really getting back to where he was He was drastically unfortunate when the rehab (went) wrong after an operation, and it is almost more time than the original moment.
"But the specialists advised to leave it alone and just let it heal naturally. He is in a good place, but he is still quite far away (from playing)."
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Topics: Dele Alli, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, Football