Alli gets ANOTHER setback as one of three transfer options shut down by boss

Dele Alli's career faces more uncertainty as a potential move to Wrexham looks to have been closed off by boss Phil Parkinson after making a pivotal decision on his squad list

Delli Alli has been dealt another blow as one of three potential transfer options looks to have been shut down. The former Tottenham star is facing an uncertain future after having his contract with Como torn up last week.

The 29-year-old signed for the Serie A outfit on an 18-month deal in January in the hope of reviving his faltering career. However, the move quickly turned into a nightmare as the ex-England midfielder was sent off less than ten minutes into his debut for manager Cesc Fabregas' side in March.

Dele received his marching orders after a rash challenge on Ruben Loftus-Cheek as Como were beaten by AC Milan at the San Siro. He was released from the club by mutual agreement after being told he was not part of their plans for the new season.

Reports have since emerged linking Dele with a trio of Championship teams, including Hollywood-owned Wrexham, Birmingham City and West Brom. However, one of those routes now appears to have been closed off after Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson revealed the likely candidate to fill his one remaining squad vacancy.

The Red Dragons manager initially named 24 out of a possible 25 players on his squad list for the 2025-26 campaign. It left one space spare for a potential free agent signing as speculation mounted that Dele could be handed a lifeline by making the switch to North Wales.

But Parkinson has confirmed that midfielder Ollie Rathbone is likely to occupy that spot as he nears a return from an ankle injury which he sustained during the club's pre-season tour of Australia and New Zealand. Rathbone was Wrexham's player of the season last term as they gained their third consecutive promotion from League One, and Parkinson thinks he can play a key role again during their current campaign.

"I think Ollie is closing in," Parkinson told The Leader newspaper. "I just wanted to make sure Ollie got through this week in training and the signs are looking positive, and he'll be back in a couple of weeks. We need Ollie back, he's a key player for us. He was instrumental for us last year.

"He's a player who has played in the Championship; first year did well, second one was a difficult one at Rotherham because they had a very weak squad. But he's played at this level and when he signed for us, he was determined to get back into the Championship.

"His start to the season has been curtailed but obviously he's a very naturally fit player and the sooner we get him back involved in football, the better. His energy and his quality, I can't wait to get Ollie back out with us."

The decision to include Rathbone represents yet another twist in Dele's turbulent career story. He was once celebrated as one of the Premier League's top talents during his time at Spurs, but has struggled for regular minutes since his departure from the club in 2022.

Dele, who has 37 England caps to his name, has seen his career nosedive following unsuccessful stints at Everton, Besiktas and most recently at Como. There were initially reports that he was considering retiring following his underwhelming spell in Italy, but those claims were later denied.

He previously opened up in an interview on how childhood trauma, addiction issues and mental health problems have all taken their toll on his career. While Dele's next career move is unclear, he revealed last year that he was aiming to make the England squad for the 2026 World Cup as he targets a return to international football.

Speaking to Sky Sports in April 2024, he said: "You know you can set reminders on your phone, I have a reminder at 11 o'clock every day that says, 'World Cup 2026'. That's my aim for now. I think that people will be like, 'He hasn't played in a year' but I don't care, I know my level.

"The only target I have is the World Cup right now. Obviously I'm injured and contracted to Everton and so my mind is just about taking it day by day and making sure my injury is healed and that I'm in the best possible condition after the summer."