Dele Alli may have held behind-the-scenes Everton talks amid source's £22.5m reveal - pundit
Frank Lampard may have pulled Dele Alli aside in pre-season to try and get the best out of him at Everton in the 2022-23 campaign, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker delivered his verdict as Everton are confident of signing another attacking midfielder in Morgan Gibbs-White.
Sources told Football Insider on Tuesday (12 July) that the Blues are preparing a new bid for Gibbs-White and are confident Wolves will accept it.
They have already had a £22.5million offer knocked back but have been given confidence by the 21-year-old's keenness on a move to Goodison Park and Wolves' financial situation.
Gibbs-White and Dele play a similar position on the pitch and Dele failed to have an impact in 2021-22 after completing a permanent move from Tottenham.
Asked whether the 26-year-old can have an impact next season, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: "Yes, I think he can.
"Lampard has probably pulled him at the start of pre-season and said 'You know what, let's go, it's go time. I want to see hard work and dedication from you in pre-season. I want to see the Dele Alli from Spurs in your early years'.
"There's no reason why he can't bring that back, it's down to him. I'm sure we'll see in the opening six or seven games if he's done the hard yards to get in the team."
Dele played 11 Premier League games for Everton in 2021-22, including just two starts.
While with Spurs, the 37-time England international won the PFA young player of the year award in 2015-16 and 2016-17.