Chelsea management rejected the chance to sign Dele Alli ahead of Tottenham last season, it has been revealed.

Spurs swooped on Alli while he was with MK Dons, but not before the midfielder was offered to Chelsea, says The Times.

Eddie Newton, currently assistant coach to Blues manager Guus Hiddink, had scouted Alli extensively while he was with MK Dons and had submitted glowing reports on the teen.

However, management decided against moving for Alli, convinced that Ruben Loftus-Cheek would develop into the bigger talent.

Ironically, the two midfielders are great friends, though it will be Alli who will be with England at the Euros this summer.