"I am told" - Journalist drops new Dele Alli update as Swansea City, Birmingham and West Brom eye move | OneFootball

A number of Championship sides have been linked with a move for Dele Alli

Journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed that there is a good chance Dele Alli makes the move to a Championship side based in Wales amid Wrexham and Swansea City interest in the player.

The former Tottenham Hotspur player has become the subject of intense speculation following the close of the summer transfer window.

Free agents can still be signed outside of the market, with the 29-year-old currently without a club following his exit from Como.

Dele Alli made just one appearance in Serie A last season for Cesc Fabregas’ side, with injuries plaguing his career in recent years.

Wrexham and Swansea City tipped for Dele Alli race

Bailey has suggested that Dele is very likely to make a move to the Championship as the next step in his career.

He’s claimed that Phil Parkinson is still looking to add to his squad, but that the Red Dragons face competition from fellow Welsh outfit Swansea in their bid to sign the midfielder.

“I am told there is a very good chance that Dele Alli ends up in the Championship and that could very well be in Wales,” said Bailey, via the Wrexham Insider.

“Wrexham have shown an interest, they know there is a talent there and Phil Parkinson wants quality in this squad.

“But there is interest elsewhere in Wales with Swansea also keen.

“Alli knows he needs to pick the right club and there are a few in the Championship.”

West Brom have also been linked with a potential move for Dele, who could reunite with his former Spurs teammate Ryan Mason.

Mason is now in charge at the Hawthorns, and is looking to build a team capable of earning promotion to the Premier League.

It was reported by the Daily Mail earlier this month that the Baggies, as well as Birmingham City, are keen on a deal.

However, no agreements have yet been reached with the player at this stage, with the league set to return to action this weekend after the international break.

Dele Alli signing is a risk for any Championship side

Dele has not played football consistently for multiple years now, with his game time amounting to 10 minutes last season.

He was even sent off in his sole appearance in Serie A for Como against AC Milan, which doesn’t exactly bode well either.

If Championship sides are seriously looking at his signature, then their best bet is to agree to a pay-as-you-play deal given the significant injury issues he’s had.

Dele was a top star in English football during his time at Spurs, but it’s hard to imagine him ever getting close to that level again, so it would be a big risk to bring him in at this stage, even as a free agent.

Of course, the attacking midfielder's wealth of ability will not have vanished and it's perhaps no great surprise to see a number of clubs still eager on the idea of taking a punt in the hope of rekindling his career, but it would represent a colossal risk. The potential upside, however, could just be greater.