According to reports in The Times, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli is wanted by two of the most powerful agents in world football as he looks for a new adviser to see over the next steps in his promising career.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Times says that the England international split with long-term agent Rob Segal – who he had been with since he was 15 years old – last month, with the world’s leading sports management companies now scrambling for his signature.

The Times says that Jorge Mendes, whose client list includes Jose Mourinho, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva, and Mino Raiola, who has the likes of Manchester United trio Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku on his books, are both said to be interested despite previously not being interested in recruiting English players.

The report adds that considering both agents have good links with Real Madrid and Barcelona, if Alli does sign up with either it could suggest that he is aiming to join one of the La Liga giants in the future.

Why does everyone want to sign Alli up?

The 21-year-old is a regular for England and has established himself as one of the best players in the Premier League during his time with Tottenham, helping them challenge for the Premier League title in the last two seasons.

Ahead of Saturday’s clash against Swansea City at Wembley, the former MK Dons man has scored 30 goals in 74 English top flight appearances – including 18 in 37 last term – and he has scored some brilliant goals.

The tall attacking midfielder certainly has huge potential and the technical abilities to go on and play for one of the best clubs in the world – something which has obviously been recognised by Mendes and Raiola.

Would it be bad news for Tottenham?

It certainly could be.

While The Times says that Spurs will likely offer Alli a new deal this season even though he has five years left on his current contract, their wage cap and Alli’s potential desire to play for Real Madrid or Barcelona could mean they struggle to keep hold of him – as when Gareth Bale made the move to the Bernabeu previously.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy may certainly have a lot to think about in the next 12 months in that regard.

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