Sources: Newcastle opens preliminary Dele Alli talks after Howe U-turn
Newcastle United have opened preliminary talks to sign Tottenham star Dele Alli after a change of heart, Football Insider understands.
The north-east giants had decided last month, as revealed by this site, they would not pursue the Spurs playmaker, 25, during the current window as Eddie Howe wanted to prioritise other areas of the squad.
But a Newcastle source has told Football Insider that Howe has now had a change of mind and sanctioned a move for Alli.
It is believed initial discussions have taken place over the Saudi-backed outfit signing the England international.
Spurs are open to both loan and permanent offers for Alli, who has struggled for game time in recent seasons, including under Antonio Conte.
It comes as Newcastle's pursuit of Jesse Lingard from Man United has hit a stumbling block.
As revealed by Football Insider on Friday morning, United have rejected a £5million-plus loan bid from Newcastle for the 29-year-old.
Alli has a similar skill-set to Lingard, although like the older man he is not a regular for his club.
The attacking midfielder has made 18 Spurs appearances this season but has made only two Premier League starts since September.
Tellingly, he was an unused substitute in the midweek league win over Leicester City even though Son Heung-Min was out injured.
Newcastle want another player capable of creating and scoring goals after signing Chris Wood from Burnley last week.
They are holding talks on multiple potential signings but have yet to add to their two completed deals so far.