Everton have been dealt a potentially huge setback in their bid to secure a deal to bring Dele Alli to Goodison Park before tonight's transfer deadline.

What's the latest?

That's according to a claim made by David Ornstein, who revealed in a recent post on Twitter that, despite the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder's switch to Everton entering the final stages, Newcastle United have made a late bid for the 25-year-old, something which throws significant doubt on the former England international's proposed move to the Toffees.

In his tweet, The Athletic journalist said: "Newcastle make dramatic late attempt to pip Everton to Dele Alli signing after losing out on Lingard. NUFC have enquired to take Dele on loan just as permanent Everton move enters final stages. Unclear if it will succeed."

Lampard will be fuming

With Frank Lampard's move for Dele very much looking as if it was all but completed, with Sky Sports reporting that the midfielder looked set to link up with the Toffees in a £40m move, the fact that mega-rich Newcastle have now entered the race for the 25-year-old is sure to have left Lampard fuming.

Indeed, while it remains to be seen as to whether the Magpies' offer will be accepted by Spurs, should Eddie Howe's side's proposal include an option to buy the midfielder, Dele's head may well be turned by the potential of being offered a huge salary by the Saudi Arabian funded club.

However, at present, it looks as if Everton are still in the driving seat for the former MK Dons star's signature, although, stranger things have happened in the closing stages of the January transfer window - an idea that will undoubtedly be causing both Lampard and the Goodison Park faithful a great deal of stress.

In other news: Lampard can form frightening trio as Everton plot late offer for £52.4m "goal-getter"