Dele Alli given new Everton squad number as Sean Dyche hints at change of role for former Tottenham and England star

DELE ALLI has been given a new Everton squad number — hinting at a possible change of role under Sean Dyche.

Alli, 27, is back at Goodison Park following a loan with Turkish side Besiktas.

He played just 15 times for the Super Lig side.

But Alli could be in with a chance of first-team action at Everton this term.

He featured just 13 times for Toffees after a transfer from Spurs 18 months ago.

And new boss Dyche has hinted at a possible role in the upcoming campaign by handing Alli the No20 shirt — his favourite number from his time at Tottenham.

Having initially been given the No 36 at Everton in January 2021, the midfielder briefly wore No20 for just two appearances before joining Besiktas last summer.

Neal Maupay then inherited the jersey.

But the French striker has now opted to take the No13 shirt.

And Alli’s reunion with the No20 suggests he may be in Dyche’s plans after the ex-Burnley boss saved Everton from relegation last season.

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It’s not the only change of shirt number at Goodison Park though.

James Tarkowski has vacated the No2 jersey for the No6.

And his previous number has now been taken by Nathan Patterson, freeing up the No3 top.

Alli’s shirt joy comes after he revealed he was sexually abused by a friend of his mum as a child.

He made the shock revelation in a bombshell interview after returning to Everton from Besiktas.

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