Liverpool Transfer News: Dele Alli Regret Revealed by Steven Gerrard

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has revealed his disappointment that the Reds did not sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli as his long-term replacement.

The 19-year-old moved to Spurs from MK Dons earlier this year and is currently enjoying an impressive debut season in the Premier League, with Gerrard suggesting he is ahead of where he was at that age.

The LA Galaxy star described Alli as a "very exciting player" and regrets the fact that Liverpool did not go in for him, per BT Sport (via MailOnline's Matt Morlidge):

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I was actually disappointed Liverpool didn’t sign him. I thought he was certainly a player Liverpool might have tried to go for, especially with me coming toward the end. He’s a player I could see playing for Liverpool for 10-15 years, he’s certainly got that ability.

I hope [he's the next Steven Gerrard], that’s very flattering for me. For me he looks to be a little more ahead of me as far as England’s games and appearances are concerned. He’s got more experience because he came through at MK Dons, that helped him progress and make the impact that he has done at Tottenham. 

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Gerrard believes Alli can become a top player in Europe having earned his first England cap back in October—he then scored a brilliant goal against France in his second full international earlier this month.

Shaun Clark/Getty Images

Liverpool reportedly had a deal in place worth £3 million to sign Alli from MK Dons in April 2014, but the club's transfer committee pulled the plug as they didn't believe he represented "good value for money," per Ben Curtis in the Mirror.

He is currently doing his best to make the Anfield hierarchy rue their decision.

Alli has played in 12 of Spurs' 13 Premier League games this season, netting two goals and providing one assist, per WhoScored.com.

His blossoming midfield partnership with 21-year-old compatriot Eric Dier has been one of the key components as Spurs have gone undefeated in the English top flight since the opening day of the season.

With Reds captain Jordan Henderson having missed most of the current campaign through injury, Liverpool could have done with a player like Alli.

As noted by Gerrard, he has the ability to be a top player for the next decade, and if he continues to progress at Spurs, Liverpool will surely regret not signing him up when they had the chance.