Everton midfielder Dele Alli has been given a hero's welcome in Istanbul ahead of his expected move to Turkish side Besiktas.
The 26-year-old landed in the bustling Turkish city in the early hours of Thursday morning, but was greeted by thousands of fans regardless.
Facing hoards of supporters as he eventually got through the terminal, Alli bashfully orchestrated excited fans as they greeted him with one of their signature terrace chants.
READ MORE: Kevin Thelwell paves way for better Everton future but what happens next is crucial
READ MORE: Everton in 'discussions' for £14million transfer of Man United midfielder
He is expected to undergo a medical in Istanbul today before signing a deal that speculation suggests will keep him in Turkey until the end of the season, but with an option to buy on the completion of the loan.
Alli moved to Goodison Park on January transfer deadline day, as Frank Lampard looked to bring in new players to help Everton avoid relegation. But the player who shot to stardom with Tottenham Hotspur after dazzling in the lower leagues with MK Dons only made 11 appearances for the Blues, failing to establish himself in the starting XI.
On Tuesday evening, Lampard confirmed that Alli's exit was close. Speaking after Everton's Carabao Cup victory against Fleetwood Town, he said: “He’s very advanced to moving to Besiktas. It’s not absolutely done yet but it’s very advanced.”
Alli played 269 games for Spurs, across seven seasons, scoring 67 goals, but a dip in form saw him lose his place in the side and also fall out of favour with the England national team, for whom he has been capped 37 times.
He will be hoping for a fresh start outside English football and judging by the reception he received at the airport this morning, he has the early backing of the Besiktas fans at least.
READ NEXT
-
Frank Lampard gives Everton transfer updates on Anthony Gordon and Dele Alli
-
Everton player ratings as Demarai Gray lively and Nathan Patterson impressive at Fleetwood
-
Everton suffer another injury blow in warm-up ahead of Fleetwood Town match
- Frank Lampard has told his Everton bosses what everyone already knows
- New Everton striker question emerges as Frank Lampard decides against two possible options
