Dele Alli has been given the perfect early Christmas present - a route back into professional football at Italian side Como.
The 27-year-old has struggled with fitness issues and is currently a free agent following his release at Everton in the summer.
Alli was in the stands to watch Como beat Roma 2-0 on Sunday night
4
Alli was in the stands to watch Como beat Roma 2-0 on Sunday nightCredit: Getty
Alli hasn't featured in a competitive match since February 2023 after injuring his groin while at Turkish outfit Besiktas.
But he has been allowed to use the Toffees' Finch Farm training facility to build up his fitness ahead of a potential comeback in the New Year.
And he could now link up with Serie A newcomers Como in the club's bid to beat the drop in their first season back in the Italian top-flight in 21 years.
Managed by ex-Arsenal and Chelsea icon Cesc Fabregas, the Spanish World Cup winner has offered Alli a chance to showcase his quality.
READ MORE TRANSFER NEWS
The former Tottenham midfielder was in the stands at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia to witness Como beat Roma 2-0 thanks to second half stoppage time goals from Alessandro Gabrielloni and Nico Paz.
And Fabregas commented on the 37-cap England international in his post-match conference after guiding Como to their first win since September.
He said of the player: "I got to know him yesterday.
"I don’t want to talk much about this, but perhaps there’s a chance that he will start training with us after Christmas.
"Let’s see. It would be to help him get in shape and nothing more.
"For now, we must enjoy this night. We must talk about Como, Gabrielloni and the lads. This is the most important thing.”
Alli is currently without a club following his release at Everton in the summer
4
Alli is currently without a club following his release at Everton in the summerCredit: Getty
Como boss Fabregas has declared Alli is welcome to train at the club after Christmas
4
Como boss Fabregas has declared Alli is welcome to train at the club after ChristmasCredit: Getty
Alli is determined to get himself back playing, and is looking in tip-top shape judging by training footage he has shared on social media.
Such is his desire to get back on the pitch, the MK Dons academy graduate revealed in April he has a daily reminder on his phone that speaks volumes about his ambition.
Appearing on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, he said: “I know how good I can be when my head is in the right place and I’m feeling good.
"Obviously I’m disappointed with the injury right now, but I’m excited to get playing.
“It’s hard for me to even watch football. It’s been tough for me, I’d say, this past eight months has been hard to watch.”
Asked if he’d like to get back to the level he was before, Alli stated: “I hope so.
Alli won two PFA Player of the Year awards during his time at Tottenham
4
Alli won two PFA Player of the Year awards during his time at TottenhamCredit: Getty
“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."