Dele Alli’s hopes of securing a lifeline move to Wrexham appear over, with manager Phil Parkinson hinting that his final squad spot will instead go to returning star Ollie Rathbone. The former Tottenham and England midfielder, recently released by Como, had been linked with the Hollywood-owned club but now looks set to continue his uncertain search for a new home.
Dele’s Wrexham transfer hopes appear to be overParkinson expects Rathbone to take final squad spotEx-Spurs star must continue search for new clubFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Dele has been released by Serie A side Como after his contract was terminated by mutual consent. The 29-year-old, once a Premier League star at Tottenham, has since been linked with potential moves to West Brom, Birmingham, and Wrexham. However, rumours of a North Wales switch have now been dampened.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Wrexham boss Parkinson has suggested that Rathbone, last season’s Player of the Year for the Red Dragons, will fill the club’s 25th squad slot once he returns from injury. Rathbone has been sidelined with an ankle problem but is close to fitness after impressing during pre-season. His return appears to rule out a move for Dele.
Getty Images SportWHAT PARKINSON SAID
Speaking to the media, Parkinson said: "I think Ollie is closing in. 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."
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR DELE?
With Rathbone set to be reintegrated, Dele will have to look elsewhere as he continues his search for a club. Birmingham and West Brom remain linked, but his options are shrinking. For Wrexham, the focus now shifts to Rathbone’s comeback and life in the Championship.