Dele Alli is closing in on a return to action at Everton, as he seeks to land a new contract, with an encouraging update delivered on his fitness.

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Former England star is now a free agentTraining with Toffees during pre-seasonBig decision needs to be made on futureWHAT HAPPENED?

The 28-year-old has not played a competitive game of any kind since February 2023 – during a forgettable loan spell at Turkish side Besiktas. Dele has endured issues on and off the field since then, which has brought his professional career to a halt.

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Another operation was undergone in January, as fitness problems become all too familiar, and a long road to recovery has been taken in since then – with the odd setback being endured along the way. Dele became a free agent at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

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Tottenham have, however, agreed to waive the fee that they would be due if Dele were to sign fresh terms at Everton – and he has joined them for pre-season training. He did not figure in a friendly date with Sligo, but could soon be back out on the field.

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Toffees boss Sean Dyche told the club’s when offering an update on those that are currently being ruled out of his plans: “[James Tarkowski] has got a minor niggle at this stage and we have to be careful. We’ve got some other players we’re just being a bit careful with – they’re okay, just a few niggles that we’re going to monitor but nothing too serious. We’re hopeful with Tarky, hopefully it’s nothing. Jarrad [Branthwaite] is making good progress as are Patto [Nathan Patterson] and Dele so we’ll see how those guys go. At this stage it’s nothing too serious so we’re thankful for that.”