Dele Alli eclipsed Paul Pogba last season and is one of the best in the world... and Spurs will sign Ross Barkley, says Jamie Redknapp

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Tottenham have had something of a tough pre-season so far, but Jamie Redknapp believes there are reasons for Spurs to be optimistic on the eve of the new Premier League season.

The Sportsmail columnist, speaking ahead of the launch of The Verdict, a new football magazine available inside the Daily Mail every Monday, picked out midfielder Dele Alli as the main reason that Mauricio Pochettino's side can challenge at the top once again. 

The former Tottenham midfielder went as far as to suggest he was among the best players in the world having outshone Paul Pogba, formerly the world's most expensive player, last season. 

Sportsmail's Jamie Redknapp and Chris Sutton discuss Tottenham ahead of the new season

The former Spurs midfielder says that Dele Alli is among the best players in the world

'I like their starting XI,' he said. 'I like the balance they’ve got in their team with Dembele, Dier, and Wanyama.

'Then you look at Dele Alli. I’m expecting him to be brilliant again. He eclipsed Pogba last year. I think he’s one of the best players in the world right now.'

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE VERDICT - FREE IN THE DAILY MAIL 

The north London side lost Kyle Walker to title rivals Manchester City for £50million earlier this summer, while fellow full-back Danny Rose rocked the club with an explosive interview suggesting he was seeking an exit on Thursday. 

They've also failed to sign a single player in the transfer market so far - making them the only inactive side in the Premier League.

Redknapp also believes that Dele outshone Manchester United's Paul Pogba last season

Mauricio Pochettino has had a difficult pre-season so far ahead of the first game of the season

Redknapp believes that will change with the signing of Ross Barkley from Everton, with more to follow before the window shuts.  

'They’ll get Ross Barkley before the window closes,' he said. 

'They’ll get another one or two. Ross is such a good player and that will be the best move for him. This is how Daniel Levy does his business.'

Barkley has a year left on his contract at Everton, who could be willing to do business for less than the £50million they were initially quoting for the midfielder. 

Tottenham get their season underway against newly-promoted Newcastle on Sunday. 

Redknapp believes that Dele outshone Pogba last season and will be a force once more

Tottenham have been heavily linked with a move for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley