Dele Alli reality check as Ryan Reynolds told Wrexham got transfer decision right

Dele Alli has been handed a reality check over his next move in football following his latest career setback. The former Tottenham star had his contract terminated by Serie A side Como at the start of September after making just one appearance.

The 29-year-old signed for the club managed by Cesc Fabregas in January on an 18-month contract following disappointing stints with Everton and on loan at Besiktas. However, he was sent off less than 10 minutes into his debut after coming on as a substitute during Como's defeat away to AC Milan in March.

The ex-England midfielder is now looking for a new team despite once being considered one of the Premier League's brightest young prospects. Dele was linked with a trio of Championship sides in the immediate aftermath of his ill-fated spell in Italy.

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Wrexham, Birmingham and West Brom were among those said to be interested in securing his services as a free agent. But Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has since indicated he intends to hand his one remaining squad place to midfielder Ollie Rathbone, who is nearing a return from an ankle injury.

Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has backed that decision after claiming that anyone who signs Dele would be taking a huge risk. The former Bradford and Sunderland striker believes he may need to prove himself on trial before another club takes a chance on him.

"It hasn't really worked out since he left Spurs," Goodman told Betway. "He hasn't shown the same quality at Everton, Besiktas, and Como.

"He only played eight minutes for Como last season in Serie A, so it just hasn't happened for him. For me, it's a massive gamble for any club to take on a 29-year-old who has barely played in the past three or four seasons.

"I think it's a tragic story because he's such a talent, and I think the onus is solely on Dele Alli to find himself a club. Whether that means going on trial and taking your chance should it come your way. If I were Dele Alli, I would be happy to do that."

He added: "It's a tricky situation, but if you can get anything like the player that burst on the scene for MK Dons and then Spurs, where he excelled really, I think it's a gamble worth taking. The problem for the clubs linked with him is, you just don't know what he’ll be like until he walks through the door."

Championship side Swansea were another club reported to be keen on signing Dele. However, that avenue has also been closed off after manager Alan Sheehan dismissed the idea. "I can rule that out," he said.

"I haven't heard that one at all right now. We've done our business unless something dramatically changes. Obviously Dele Alli is a wonderful player, so I don't want to comment anything on him or where he is, or how he's playing etc. But look, for Swansea City, I would say no right now."

Dele's next steps are uncertain after rumours he was considering retiring were previously dismissed, but the player's ambition of making the England squad for next year's World Cup now looks unlikely to be realised as his options narrow.

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