Dele Alli is back at Everton and ready to revitalise his career after his staggering fall from grace over the past few years.
That's according to his new boss Sean Dyche, who says the former England international - who was a key part of the Tottenham side that reached the Champions League final in 2019 - is keen to prove himself after his failed loan spell at Besiktas.
Dele fell out of favour under Jose Mourinho at Spurs back in 2020 and after failing to impress Nuno Santo Espirito or Antonio Conte following the ex-Chelsea and Manchester United manager's reign in north London, was sold to the Toffees.
Dele continued to struggle for form on Merseyside with ex-Everton boss Frank Lampard deeming him surplus to requirements and sending him on loan to the Super Lig.
Injuries blighted the midfielder's time in Turkey, with the deal eventually being cut short and Dele returning home for surgery for a hip muscle problem.
The 27-year-old is keen to turn things around this season and Dyche has admitted he's blocking out the negativity surrounding the player and is willing to give him a fresh chance to impress.
"I just got a sense that he wants to be back playing football and playing well," Dyche told the press on Thursday.
"I've heard all the noise, I've heard all the opinions and I'm pretty sure that you're aware that I like to make my own," he added.
"But he needs to get fit. I've met him but I haven't seen him train, I haven't seen him play for Everton, I haven't seen him train with us every day.
"It's important that he gets himself properly fit and - if he needs an operation or doesn't - then makes sure his fitness is good and makes sure he's well and ready to go."
Dele was one of the first Everton stars to return to the club's Finch Farm training base ahead of the new season and is desperate to be match fit come early August.
Everton narrowly avoided relegation last season and will be keen to get off to a good start when they take on Fulham at Goodison Park on the opening day of the campaign.
The Toffees have traditionally got the better of the Whites at home over the years but Marco Silva's side thumped Everton 3-1 the last time the two teams met in Liverpool.
