Eddie Howe’s response when asked if Newcastle United tried to hijack Everton’s deadline day move to Dele Alli

Dele Alli could line up for Everton against Newcastle United just over a week after the Magpies reportedly made a last-ditch attempt to sign him on January deadline day.

Eddie Howe’s side were linked with a late move for Alli after a loan swoop for Manchester United attacking midfielder Jesse Lingard collapsed with five hours of the window remaining.

However, by the time the news broke of United’s apparent interest in Alli, the England midfielder was already undergoing a medical at Everton ahead of joining from Tottenham Hotspur.

Alli went on to complete a permanent move to Goodison Park - where he could make his debut against Newcastle at St James’ Park on Tuesday night.

‘Dele Alli is a top player’

Howe was asked if Newcastle tried to hijack Everton’s move for the 25-year-old.

The Magpies head coach said: “There are a whole host of things that could have maybe dropped in a different way but that’s the beauty of the transfer window.

“All I’ll say on Dele is he is a player I’ve admired and liked for many, many years, obviously tracked his progress from MK Dons through to what he’s done at Tottenham and the national team.

“He’s a top player.”

Previous interest in Dele Alli

Alli came close to joining Newcastle from MK Dons in January 2015.

United’s media team were briefed about a deal for Alli - but a late dispute over contract terms saw the future England star move to Spurs.

Alli went to score 67 goals in 269 appearances for Spurs, though his career in North London has stalled over the last two campaigns.

This season, Alli has made just eight Premier League starts ahead of a switch to Frank Lampard’s Everton.