The Times, have reported that Chelsea turned down the chance to sign sensational Tottenham attacking midfielder Dele Alli from League One side MK Dons after then Youth Team Cordinator Eddie Newton (now assistant coach) recommended the Nigerian born English footballer to the club.
Although Chelsea realised Alli's potential at the time, the club decided against pursuing the player due to Loftus-Cheek's performance and promise in the Club's academy. It was reasoned it was a better option to keep faith with one of their own (Loftus-Cheek), rather then spending and developing another player from another club .
Alli was subsequently signed by Tottenham in the winter of 2015 and sent back on a six month loan to MK Dons, where he helped the club gain promotion to the Championship at the same time, winning the League One's Player of the Season. Alli joined Spurs in the summer of 2015, and has already scored 10 league goals one of which is a goal of the season contender against Crystal Palace also going on to become a vital member of the Three Lion's squad.
While Loftus-Cheek might be equally talented , the "stop-start" treatment meted out to the youngster has retarded his promising progress. Unlike Alli who has played when fit , Loftus-Cheek has started just four games this season in the Premier League , most of which was under interim manager Guus Hiddink.
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