Tottenham news: Dele Alli should have 'another five years' if deal can be agreed

Former Tottenham Hotspur star Dele Alli could well perform for another four of five years if he is to return to football.

That is according to former senior Tottenham scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

The 30-year-old has been without a club for over a year, after he left Italian side Como by mutual consent having made just one appearance.

Alli has been keeping fit with lower league clubs in the time since and while currently live streaming, is said to be open to new opportunities.

The former England international has made just a single appearance in over three years after dealing with several injuries and personal problems, and it remains unclear exactly how long it will take him to return to match fitness.

But the midfielder's talent has never been in question, and any club able to revitalise him will be gaining a huge weapon.

'A lot of pressure on Dele Alli'

Alli could well have gone down among both Tottenham and England's best-ever players had his career not been affected by injury and problems outside of football.

After just three seasons with the Lilywhites, the midfielder had already scored 54 goals and provided 35 assists across all competitions.

Alli's career is not necessarily over, yet, however. "He's allowed himself to drift out of the game, and now he realises, like all of us do, that when you have to give it up, you don't half miss it," King told Football Insider.

"It's going to be a lot of pressure for him to get himself fit and for somebody to take a chance on him. It sounds ridiculous when you think you've got a 30-year-old who's free, he should have at least another four or five years of good football in him.

"But it all comes down to what his frame of mind is, really. Does he want it or does he just want to play? I mean, I don't think he's got any worries financially. He earned big money at Tottenham.

"He was a talented boy. There were times when he was a bit sort of Glenn Hoddle in the way he moved and the way he worked the ball and passed the ball. 

"At that time 11 years ago, everybody had great expectations for him and he fulfilled them. He went on to play for England, nearly 40 times."

Where could Alli go?

The most obvious destination for Alli would be the Saudi Pro League. Should he be looking to earn a similar wage, there is likely no other destination.

Yet if the 30-year-old is willing to take a massive pay cut, the Championship cannot be ruled out.

Alli made his name in the lower leagues of English football with MK Dons, and they could well help him get back on his feet.

It remains to be seen which option the midfielder does opt for, but it will be hoped that he can rediscover what made him so exciting.