Newcastle United feature on Dele Alli's list of transfer options, according to The Chronicle's Lee Ryder. 

The lowdown

The 25-year-old's Spurs future is in doubt after he was left out of Antonio Conte's matchday squad for Sunday's visit to Chelsea. The Englishman has started eight league games this season, but hasn't played a minute of top-flight football since the end of December.

It was reported before the January transfer window that Newcastle would focus on players with Premier League experience. Their first two additions of the month - former Spurs defender Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood from Burnley - both fit that particular bill.

The latest

Sharing a link to his piece in The Chronicle on his personal Twitter feed, Ryder said: "Newcastle remain an option for Dele Alli after midfielder is axed by Tottenham".

The report stated that the 25-year-old's agency Base also work with Wood and Trippier, and they enjoy a 'good rapport' with the Magpies' head of recruitment Steve Nickson.

Ryder said that relationship could prove to be 'key', but warned that 'it may be down to' whether Dele is ready to take on a Premier League relegation battle for the remainder of the season.

The verdict

The big question around Dele is whether he will ever recapture the levels he showed at the start of his Premier League career. In his first three top-flight seasons, he contributed to a hugely impressive 66 goals, but his numbers have dropped markedly since then (via Transfermarkt).

There have been encouraging flashes this season. For example, he produced what The Athletic's Charlie Eccleshare called a 'superb' performance in a 2-2 draw with Liverpool last month, completing five out of seven dribbles, making four clearances and creating a big chance (via Sofascore).

Also, Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane reckons that Dele could 'get his career going' at St James' Park, where 'the fans would love him'. It could well be one for Newcastle to strongly consider.

In other news, this trio struggled against Leeds on Saturday