Former England star spotted training £15m Newcastle United man ahead of Everton contract decision
Jamal Lewis is getting himself ready for the new season as he prepares to leave Newcastle United this summer.
The 26-year-old is into the final year of his contract following his £15million move from Norwich City in 2020. He spent last season on loan at Watford but the Championship club opted against triggering the clause to keep him permanently.
Lewis featured in pre-season for the Magpies last year but is likely to train alone this time around whilst his future is resolved. In the meantime, the left-back has been working with fitness trainer Connor Peters at Barnet’s Hive Stadium in North London.
Training alongside Lewis was former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli and Nathaniel Chalobah, who has been released by West Bromwich Albion. Similar to Lewis, Alli is at a crossroads in his career after his contract at Everton expired on June 30.
Alli missed the whole of last season through injury. The campaign prior, the 28-year-old was on loan at Turkish giants Besiktas but his spell was cut short after just 15 matches, again because of injury. His last competitive came in February 2023.
After going into detail about his off-the-field troubles in a candid interview with the Overlap last year, the Toffees have fully supported Alli. Despite being a free agent, he will still link up with the Merseyside club this month to continue his long-term rehab on a groin problem.
If he impresses and proves his fitness, the midfielder could be offered a short-term deal.
Director of football Kevin Thelwell explained: “Dele’s contract is coming to an end, but our medical team will continue to support him while he completes the intensive rehabilitation programme he is currently undergoing following the operation he had earlier this year.
"Both Sean Dyche and I agree it is important we ensure Dele’s rehabilitation is not impacted by his contract situation at such a critical point in his recovery.”
Alli was a target for Newcastle during Eddie Howe’s first transfer window in January 2022 but ended up at Goodison Park, where he has made just 13 appearances.