Jermain Defoe has revealed that Dele Alli was in talks over a potential move to Real Madrid before his Tottenham career nosedived.
Under Mauricio Pochettino, the midfielder was among Europe’s top young players but he soon declined after the Argentine left before being sold to Everton.
Dele has started just one Premier League game at the Toffees, who owe Tottenham £20million should he reach 20 appearances. However, he spent the last two matches on the bench despite his new club’s relegation fight.
It is in stark contrast to how the 25-year-old was perceived earlier in his career, when, according to Defoe, Madrid were interested in his services.
“When It’s not happening for you at one club, then you go to another club, you feel you have something to prove,” the ex-Spurs striker said on Sky Sports.
“You get that fire back and want to impress the players in training. The manager and the coaches. I just think it’s strange.
“I remember having a conversation with Dele Alli and he said to me, not just speculation, he said to me [that] Real Madrid were on the phone to his agent. This was a few years ago.
“To be linked with Real Madrid and later on you go to Everton, yet you still can’t get into the team, then there is something wrong.”
