LIVERPOOL boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that he has an interest in bringing Swansea City midfielder Joe Allen to Anfield this summer.
Rodgers made, Italian international striker, Fabio Borini his first new signing of his Liverpool career, completing a deal for the 21 year old last Friday, and the man from Carnlough has admitted that Allen is a player that he would like to bring to the North West too.
Rodgers, reportedly, has a deal with Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins which would prevent him making a move for any of his former players at the Liberty for at least 12 months, however, the terms of that agreement are unclear and there may well remain scope for the Liverpool boss to land his man.
Speaking about Allen he told journalists:
“I have a great relationship with Swansea but if there is a market for any of the players, I would like to be in that market.
“They respect that. He is a very talented player, which everyone knows but there is nothing more at the moment. When players come to a club such as Liverpool, it’s never straightforward.”
Reports last week that Allen was attempting to force a move away from the Liberty have been flatly denied by the player and his agent, and Allen, 22, who had some of the best passing stats in Europe last season with over 90% pass completion, is thought to feature heavily in new manager Michael Laudrup’s plans.
Laudrup and Swansea are, it seems, willing to let the player leave though, should a sizeable offer be put forward by Liverpool, or any other club. Swansea reportedly value the player at £15 million; a price that may put Rodgers off as he attempts to find value for money in the transfer market. A deal, however, could be reached.
Whatever happens with Allen, the Northern Irishman remains confident that new faces will arrive before the transfer window slams shut on 31st August, adding:
“At this moment, there are on-going negotiations on a few targets…We hope we’re close to some deals.”
You can catch up with Neil on Twitter @Neil1980 or on his blog http://itsallinthegameblog.wordpress.com/
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