Another transfer window has passed and Dele Alli is still a Tottenham player, making it highly likely that he will see out the remainder of the season on the sidelines.

The former MK Dons midfielder has been limited to a handful of appearances this season under Jose Mourinho this season, with the Portuguese coach claiming he needs to earn his way back into the side.

It was expected that Dele would leave the club during the winter transfer window, with PSG interested in reuniting him with his former boss Mauricio Pochettino in Paris on loan.

Despite the player telling the club he wanted to go in order to secure regular football, the deal never materialised when Spurs were unable to secure a replacement.

Reports suggested that Mourinho and chairman Daniel Levy were interested in bringing Christian Eriksen back to the club, but with Inter unable to agree a deal and the with the Dane scoring the winner in the Milan derby, a decision was made for him to stay until the end of the season at least.

That means that Dele will remain in north London for the remainder of the campaign and continue to struggle for minutes and impact.

It’s become a scenario similar to that of Anthony Martial at Manchester United when Mourinho was there, as a young player that the ownership are a big fan of and believe can deliver but has fallen out of favour.

Mourinho tried to sell Martial, but the hierarchy refused to let him go and he eventually signed a new deal after the manager was sacked. But that came after he made the decision to stay at the club and not force a move because he believed that he could outlast the manager.

With Spurs currently in a run of form of just two wins in nine games in the Premier League, Mourinho is battling against criticism from fans and media about whether or not he is the right man for the job.

The usual second season success under Mourinho hasn’t been nearly as effective as usual, although they have reached the Carabao Cup final for the first time since 2008. The result of that final could have a big impact on Mourinho’s future, who was brought in specifically to itch the scratch of trophies at White Hart Lane.

If it goes well, he’ll almost certainly buy himself more time ahead of the new season which means Dele will have to find a new club. There is every chance though, that Spurs lose that final to Manchester City and miss out on a top four place which could see Mourinho’s future plunged into further doubt.

If that is the case, Dele’s standing with the fans and the owners could see him get a second chance at the club to find his form once again and get back to reaching the potential we all know he has.