Exclusive: West Brom backed to seal Dele Alli transfer "punt" | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie has told FLW his verdict on Dele Alli's potential move to West Brom

Lee Hendrie has claimed that working with Ryan Mason could be helpful for Dele Alli amid links with a switch to West Brom.

It was reported by the Daily Mail earlier this month that Albion are among the clubs eyeing an approach for the former Tottenham Hotspur star.

The 29-year-old is currently a free agent following the termination of his contract with Como, having made just one league appearance for the Serie A side.

Dele Alli has struggled for game time over the last couple of years, with fitness issues proving a significant problem.

Lee Hendrie tips West Brom for Dele Alli punt

Hendrie expressed sympathy for Dele Alli and his quest to get back to the top after a difficult period in his career.

He believes working with Mason has the potential to go well given their history, although it’s not guaranteed, suggesting the Baggies should take the risk on him given he is a free agent.

“Dele Alli just dropped out of the face of the earth when it comes to football terms,” Hendrie exclusively told Football League World.

“Talented footballer, and just can’t seem to find that perfect fit.

“It’s hard when you’ve been at the top and you’re trying to get back to a sort of role, we’ve seen lots of players go and come back.

“Obviously, when you’ve got someone that knows you always helps, maybe that Ryan can get the best out of him at West Bromwich Albion, if that is to happen.

“But, sometimes it can be the other way.

“There’s no doubt that Dele Alli has definitely got a talent in there, it’s just trying to rekindle that.

“I think that it’d be one of them, yes free transfer, why not take a punt on it?”

West Brom have made a strong start to the new Championship season, with the team earning 10 points from a possible 12 in their opening four games.

Next up for Mason’s side is a home clash against Derby County on 13 September in a 3pm kick-off.

Dele Alli is risky for a free agent deal

If anyone is going to get something out of Dele Alli at this stage in his career then maybe it is Mason, given their history.

But it is still a risk to bring someone like him to the dressing room, as there will be expectation on him to find form due to the heights he reached at such a young age.

A pay as you play deal might be the best solution, as the 29-year-old may still command significant wages even if there is no transfer fee attached to his signing.

But it’s hard to imagine Dele All getting back to his best no matter where he goes, and he could prove a distraction for West Brom in his pursuit of trying to reach that level again.