Exclusive: Dele Alli in Line for Shock Career Lifeline with Championship Move on the Cards

Former England and Tottenham Hotspur star Dele Alli could make a sensational return to English football with either Southampton or Leicester City, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

Our sources have learnt both the Saints and Foxes have expressed an interest in signing the 29-year-old midfielder.

Alli, capped 37 times by his country and who has played nine seasons in the Premier League, is understood to be open to a move to the Championship.

SURPLUS TO REQUIREMENTS

The former Spurs and Everton ace has just been told he is surplus to requirements at Como, the Italian side he joined on an 18-month deal in January this year.

But less than seven months later and the former “golden boy” of English football has found himself looking for a new club after manager Cesc Fabregas, the former Spain and Arsenal star, decided he Alli was not part of his plans moving forward.

Alli has been training away from Como’s squad and our sources understand the Saints and Foxes have both made initial enquiries about Ali’s availability and his desire to play regular football in England.

He has played just once game for the Serie A club and managed 13 league matches at previous club Besiktas on loan.

Alli used to be one of the most recognisable players in the Premier League and spent seven seasons at Spurs before being sold to Everton.

But the unpredictable midfielder only played 13 times in three frustrating seasons with the club, one of which was spent on loan with Turkish side Besiktas in the Super Lig.

Suggestions have been swirling that Alli would retire before he was 30, but the midfielder is understood to be determined to find a way back to the Premier League.

Alli could also attract more interest from abroad, but it is believed his preferred next move is back to England.

He made 181 games for Spurs in the Premier League and scored 51 league goals, making a total of 269 appearances for the club with 67 goals when his career was on its peak.

But since 2022 Alli has failed to rediscover the fine form which saw him play for England at the 2018 World Cup, when the Three Lions reached the semi-finals.