• Premier League

'Disappointed' Swansea confirm Reds approach for Allen

ESPN staff
July 25, 2012
Joe Allen has attracted interest from big Premier League clubs © Getty Images
Enlarge

Swansea City have confirmed that Liverpool have expressed an interest in signing midfielder Joe Allen, despite an agreement with the Welsh side that Brendan Rodgers cannot approach his former players within 12 months.

Allen, 22, has been strongly linked with a move to Liverpool as former Swans boss Rodgers looks to bolster his midfield options ahead of his debut season in charge at Anfield.

Rodgers had agreed, though, that as part of his release he would not make an approach for any of his ex-players unless a rival club makes a bid for their services, but it has been suggested on Wednesday a release clause in Allen's contract could pave the way for an exit.

It is claimed that Allen's terms, which he extended last summer, dictate that an offer of £15 million from a 'top' club would trigger a clause that would allow personal terms to be discussed.

A Swansea City statement read: "Swansea City can confirm that Liverpool have expressed an interest in Joe Allen, despite a written agreement with Liverpool not to approach any players within the 12-month period of former manager Brendan Rodgers leaving for Anfield.

"There has also been interest from other clubs regarding his possible availability and the club is due to speak to Joe, as originally planned, about the situation when he returns from GB duty.

"The club is not prepared to release any details on whether any formal bids have been made at this stage or details of Joe's contract, which are private and confidential. The club is extremely disappointed that speculation regarding certain aspects of his contract have been released to the media by parties outside the club.

"Fortunately the club is in a financial position where it does not need to sell any of its players and will continue to work in the best interests of its supporters, who are our priority, and the club to provide new manager Michael Laudrup with the best opportunity to be successful in the forthcoming Premier League campaign."

Allen has made over 100 league appearances for Swansea, scoring seven goals, and caught the eye in Premier League last season with his neat passing game.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices