Tottenham beat Liverpool chiefs to the signing of Dele Alli with a bigger contract offer.

The Daily Mail says former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has recalled how 'frustrating and disappointing' it was that the club failed to sign Alli despite prolonged negotiations with the player, with Tottenham clinching his bargain £5million signing from MK Dons.

However, it's understood Liverpool's American owners regarded Alli, quickly emerging as one of the stand-out stars in the Premier League, to be just a promising Under 21 prospect.

The Reds were going to pay him accordingly — about £4,000 a week.