Roy Hodgson: 'Offers have already been made for Dele Alli'

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur have likely already received offers for midfielder Dele Alli.

The 21-year-old has been linked with an array of European giants over the past 12 months, including the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Madrid are the side rumoured to have shown the most interest in the England international, who Hodgson saw blossom into one of the continent's most impressive performers during his time as Three Lions boss.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's meeting between Palace and Spurs, however, Hodgson insisted that today's opponents have their work cut out keeping Alli in place.

"There will have been offers already," he told reporters. "Tottenham won't want to let him go and it would only be one of the top echelon of clubs who could even consider buying him.

"I'm rather hoping he won't be looking for such a move but there is no doubt that Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich have a big pull. If you talk about the top midfielders in Europe now, he would be in the reckoning."

Alli scored twice against Madrid in midweek to take his tally for the season to seven goals and one assist in all competitions.