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Tranmere Rovers loanee James Alabi to rejoin Dover Athletic squad after Ebbsfleet United move fell through

James Alabi will rejoin the Dover squad after his proposed move to Ebbsfleet United fell through.

Alabi is currently on loan with the Whites from Tranmere Rovers until the end of the season.

Fleet tried to sign the striker on a permanent basis earlier this month but the deal was not completed.

Speaking after Dover’s 2-1 win over Guiseley on Saturday, assistant manager Jake Leberl said the 23-year-old will be brought back into the fold next week.

James Alabi Picture: Tony Flashman
James Alabi Picture: Tony Flashman

Leberl said: “James is back with us. He will be back with us on Monday. We have a full week’s training so he will be integrated back into the squad.

“It’s another option for us to use and hopefully we can get him up and running to his full potential, which we know is in there somewhere and we need to get out of him. Hopefully he can strengthen us.”

Alabi was even spotted at Ebbsfleet's match against Maidstone United earlier this month and the club announced they had struck a deal with Tranmere.

James Alabi at the Gallagher Stadium. Picture: Andy Payton
James Alabi at the Gallagher Stadium. Picture: Andy Payton

Manager Chris Kinnear said at the time he knew nothing about the proposed move and he had simply “not turned up for training”.

Leberl said he will have a point to prove when he comes back to Dover for the remainder of the National League season.

He said: “I have spoken to him. Chris has spoken to him. It has been unfortunate the way it has all been dealt with but that’s football.

“We have just got to get on with it. We have no problems with James personally and I’m sure he will come back with a point to prove and get himself in amongst it.”

Chester FC have still not received any compensation from Tranmere after the forward left the former at the end of last season.

According to the Chester Chronicle, the two clubs held discussions earlier in the season to avoid a tribunal but common ground could not be found over the fee.

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