Wayne Veysey

Sat 22 January 2022 8:30, UK Updated Sun 23 January 2022 12:40, UK

Tottenham star Dele Alli has told friends he wants to join Newcastle United this month, Football Insider understands.

This site revealed on Friday that the north-east giants have opened preliminary talks over signing the Spurs 25-year-old.

A source with knowledge of Alli’s situation has told Football Insider that the player is “very keen” to make the move to Newcastle as he looks to reignite his career.

It is believed he has spoken to former Spurs teammate Kieran Trippier about a potential move and has been given a glowing report about Newcastle.

The chance to link up again with Trippier, as well as join an ambitious club who are working on multiple late-window signings, would be a big part of the pull for Alli.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe had initially been lukewarm about a deal for the Spurs man as he had wanted to prioritise other areas of the squad when he too over.

But the Saudi-backed outfit are in the market for more firepower despite signing Chris Wood from Burnley for £25million last week.

It comes as their 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.

Spurs are open to both loan and permanent offers for Alli, who has struggled for game time in recent seasons, including under Antonio Conte.

He was valued only two years ago at the £100million mark by Tottenham but his price tag has dramatically plummeted since then.

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.

In other news, giants respond after Newcastle United submit formal seven-figure attacker bid today.