Dele Alli has been one of the stand-out performers of Tottenham’s campaign this season.
The former MK Dons midfielder already has 11 goals this term as he has helped Spurs up to third in the Premier League table.
The early years of his career have been so impressive he is outstripping ex-midfield stars Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
And it seems that Europe’s big guns are taking notice.
The Sunday Mirror is reporting that both Barcelona and their bitter rivals Real Madrid are targeting the 20-year-old, who now has seven goals in his last four games.
Alli cost Spurs just £5m when they beat Liverpool to snap him up from MK Dons, but the Mirror claims he would now cost up to £70m – especially as Tottenham have no need to sell and Alli is very much a key player in Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
(Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
The Argentine says Alli can become a top player if he continues his development.
“He is at a very good level,” he said. “If you compare with this type of player, who were great, fantastic players [Scholes, Gerrard and Lampard], he needs to keep going in this way because he is showing now he can be one of the best players in England.
“Alli has big potential to improve. No doubt he is, and will be one of the best players in England in the next ten, 12 years.
“England represents Europe and the world, it’s the toughest and best competition in the world. If you are one of the best in England then you are one of the best in Europe.”
Ex-Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp recently said Alli was now a “£50m-plus player,” and when asked about this, Pochettino replied: “He is right in his opinion.”
