Everton have turned down Tottenham's proposal to alter the terms of Dele Alli's contract, according to a report.
Dele joined the Goodison Park outfit on a free transfer, but the deal included clauses relating to the performances of the player and the team, which could be worth as much as £30 million.
Per the clauses, Everton would have to pay Spurs £10 million when the 27-year-old registered 20 appearances for the club.
However, according to The Times, the North London side have made an offer to reduce the fee to £8 million in exchange for reducing the required number of games, making a payment to Spurs more likely while easing the financial burden on Everton.
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But the Toffees have rejected Spurs' offer, though they are also keen to make amendments to the structure of the payment, which would be due after Dele makes 20 appearances.
The pair of Premier League clubs remain in discussions over the clause as they are both open to renegotiating the deal.
It's believed Everton and Spurs are keen to come to a conclusion in a bid to help Dele to revive his career.
The former England international has played 13 games for Everton across two seasons since his move, so he's seven games away from triggering the payment to Spurs.
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Dele, who spent time away from England last season on loan at Besiktas, is close to resuming full training.
Speaking on Wednesday, Sean Dyche said: "He is going well. He is back on the grass with the sports science fitness side, going through football-related drills, but the actual freedom to come and join in with us is not there yet.
"Hopefully over the next week he will start slowly blending in. He still has a bit to go because he has been out for a long time. But to get him back with us would be really pleasing for him because he has been so unlucky."
Topics: Dele Alli, Football, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur
Nasir Jabbar