‘An inspired acquisition’ – Paul Merson urges Newcastle to snap up Spurs man

Paul Merson has urged Newcastle United to snap up Dele Alli, insisting the Tottenham midfielder could prove an ‘inspired’ signing for the Magpies.

In the first few weeks after Antonio Conte’s arrival at Tottenham, it seemed as though the 25-year-old was going to find it difficult to get any minutes at all under the Italian.

Reports indicated at the time that the Spurs boss had given the club’s hierarchy the green light to cash in on the former MK Dons man in January.

However, Dele has been handed starts by Antonio Conte against Liverpool and Southampton in recent weeks, and while the England international shone against the Reds, he struggled to impact the game in Tottenham’s 1-1 draw at St Mary’s last week.

The likes of Newcastle United and West Ham are alleged to be showing interest in Alli ahead of the transfer window.

Merson believes that the Spurs midfielder could become a hero at St James’ Park if he makes the switch up north.

The former Arsenal midfielder wrote in his column for The Daily Star: “Newcastle should go to football’s equivalent of the dog rescue centre and pluck themselves a pedigree January signing.

“Dele Alli might not be just for Christmas, he might not even be there much after May if The Geordies do take the drop.

“But, for me, he’s definitely worth a punt and could prove to be an inspired acquisition.

“Dele’s talent isn’t in question but he’s been out in the wilderness at Tottenham for far too long and he needs to do something.

“He could be an absolute hero at St James’ Park if he had the balls to take up the challenge.”

Spurs Web Opinion 

I can see Spurs cashing in on Dele if the club receive a sufficient offer. However, the 25-year-old’s exit might also depend on whether or not Conte is able to bring in a central midfielder this month.

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