Karl Robinson has extended an open invitation for Dele Alli to join Salford City as the former England international searches for a new club. The offer was made in June by Robinson, the former Salford manager, who remains concerned for the player's wellbeing and says the door remains open.

Robinson, who managed Alli as a teenager at MK Dons, revealed the approach on a podcast. "I don’t know why he is not playing football," Robinson said. He added that Alli is "more than welcome to come anywhere I go, if he wanted to." The 30-year-old has not yet responded to the offer, which came after his short-term contract with Italian side Como expired over a year ago.

Alli's search for a fresh start

Dele Alli has been without a club since a brief and unsuccessful stint at Como, where his 18-month deal yielded just one 10-minute appearance before a red card. Once a two-time PFA Young Player of the Year and a 37-cap England star with 67 goals in 269 Tottenham appearances, his career has been derailed by injuries and loss of form following moves to Everton and Besiktas. Robinson emphasised his personal concern, stating, "I hope he’s well. I hope he’s healthy. And I hope he’s in a good place."

Salford's strong position

The potential signing comes as Salford City enjoy their best start to a season, sitting first in League Two with 25 points from 12 games. They are four points clear of Barnet and are on a three-match winning streak, having beaten Bristol Rovers 2-1 last time out. This strong form, which includes four wins from their last five, provides a compelling backdrop for any new addition aiming to bolster a promotion push. The club's full fixtures list shows a key test next against fourth-placed Walsall on 26 October.

Robinson, who was offered the Salford job nine days after their play-off final defeat last season but is no longer in charge, framed his offer as one of support beyond football. "I worry about Dele as a young man, he is someone that I will always be there to pick up the phone to," he said. For now, the focus at the Peninsula Stadium remains on maintaining their league-leading form, with the squad preparing for the trip to Walsall this weekend.

First reported at thesun.co.uk