Everton could wield the axe and part ways with Dele Alli in the summer as a result of his underwhelming start to life at Goodison Park, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Alli joined the Toffees in the dying moments of the January transfer window from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, merely hours after Frank Lampard was unveiled as the Merseyside outfit's new manager.

What's the latest news involving Alli?

The deal which took Alli to Everton could end up being worth £40million, but the Toffees are not due to pay the first £10million installment until the midfielder has made 20 appearances in his new surroundings.

However, Alli has failed to hit the ground running and is still searching for a first start since making the switch to Goodison Park.

According to TEAMtalk, Everton are already considering whether to sever ties prematurely to avoid having to pay Tottenham a single penny for Alli's services.

The report suggests the minimal impact the 25-year-old has made means he could be on the move again in the summer, irrespective of whether his current employers stave off relegation to the Championship.

It would come as a blow for Alli, who signed a two-and-a-half year contract upon his arrival on Merseyside and hoped he could rediscover the form which resulted in former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino describing him as the world's best player at his age.

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What has Pete O'Rourke said about Alli?

O'Rourke believes Everton could look to sanction Alli's departure at the end of the season, bringing his stint on their books to a close incredibly quickly.

The journalist feels the Toffees may see allowing the 37-cap England international to leave as a cost-cutting measure.

O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "It's a possibility, if Everton have got that clause in his contract, that they could let him go without having to pay Spurs anything.

"It would, obviously, save Everton some money if that were to happen."

Where could Alli go if he were to leave Everton?

Alli has made 187 Premier League appearances, racking up 88 goal involvements along the way, so a top flight club may look to give him another chance to prove his worth.

But there is no denying that Alli is badly out of form and talkSPORT pundit Darren Bent has urged him to drop into the Championship in order to kick-start his career.

Stan Collymore has gone a step further and even claimed Alli should retire if his love for football has been lost.