Everton could opt to keep Dele Alli at Goodison Park if they avoid relegation from the Premier League despite the prospect of having to pay a big-money fee, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The Toffees are in serious danger of falling into the Championship, with a poor campaign resulting in them sitting precariously close to the drop zone.

What's the latest news involving Alli?

Frank Lampard was appointed as Everton's manager on deadline day of the January transfer window and he moved quickly to sign Alli from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

The agreement reached with Spurs could end up being worth £40million, but the Merseyside outfit are not due to pay the first £10million installment until Alli has made 20 appearances for the Toffees.

However, the switch has not gone to plan and the midfielder is still searching for a first start in his new surroundings.

Alli penned a two-and-a-half year contract upon his arrival at Goodison Park, but there are already serious doubts over whether he will be at the club by the time next season gets underway.

According to TEAMtalk, Everton are already mulling over whether to mutually agree to part ways with Alli in a bid to avoid having to pay Tottenham a single penny.

The report suggests the lack of impact the 25-year-old has made since swapping north London for Merseyside means he could be on the lookout for new employers in the summer, regardless of whether Everton succeed in their efforts to remain in the Premier League.

Who is the BIGGEST Premier League flop of the season?! Full debate on The Football Terrace...

What has Pete O'Rourke said about Alli?

O'Rourke believes it is not a foregone conclusion that Alli's Everton stint will come to an end at the season's climax.

The journalist reckons Lampard could double down on looking to help the former Milton Keynes Dons ace to rediscover his best form if the Toffees stave off relegation to the Championship.

However, he is uncertain as to what the future will hold for Alli if Everton are not in the top flight next term.

O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "If they stay in the Premier League, I think there's a real chance that they will decide to keep him."

Why did Everton sign Alli?

It is only a matter of years since Alli was valued at £90million by Transfermarkt, so acquiring his services without an initial fee having to be paid would have been seen by some as a bargain.

The 37-cap England international may be out of form at the moment, but he has previously shown that he can be a constant menace in the final third of the pitch by racking up close to 170 goal contributions over the course of his club career.

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Mauricio Pochettino even described Alli as the world’s best player at his age during his Tottenham reign.