Martin Keown has insisted that the reported new contract lined up for Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli is the natural step in his development.
The Telegraph claims that Spurs have initiated the process of securing the long-term future of the 21-year-old and handing a new improved deal.
It is understood that the north London club plan to offer him a new contract before the end of the season an improve his current £60,000-a-week contract.
The report details that the England international could be lifted to a new £100,000-a-week deal and the club are confident he will sign a new deal amid interest from Real Madrid and Manchester City.
Keown believes that Alli is deservedly set for a new contract and praise manager Mauricio Pochettino for his handling of the club’s rising young talents.
“You want parity with players at other clubs. Alli has been a top talent,” Keown told the Daily Mail.
“He can’t really have any complaints about the way he has been looked after by his club – in the last two years, he has seen his wages go from £12,000 a week to £25,000 to £50,000 and now potentially £100,000. It’s healthy.
“Alli is winning a lot of plaudits and Mauricio Pochettino is a very good manger who wants to look after these youngsters.”
OPINION
Alli has been criticised at times this campaign over his form, but his return of nine goals and 10 assists in 29 games proves his importance to the side. The attacking midfielder has really begun to rediscover his best touch in recent weeks and Spurs are certainly a more attractive side to watch when he is playing well. He will hope to be in his best form approaching the World Cup in the summer when a lot of England pressure will be on his shoulders. Alli should be targeting another big European display as Spurs have a knockout round with Italian giants Juventus on the horizon.