Liverpool move in on Allen
August 09, 2012 09:55:34 UK
Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Swansea midfielder Joe Allen after reportedly making a £15million bid for the Wales international.
The bid will trigger a release clause in the contract of the 22-year-old, who returned to training with the Swans on Wednesday following his Olympic duty with Team GB. Allen is due to meet with manager Michael Laudrup on Thursday after holding talks with chairman Huw Jenkins on Wednesday.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has previously confirmed his interest in taking his former player to Anfield, and the Merseyside club had an opening bid rejected last month.
If someone comes in with a massive bid and it is in the best interests of the club, whether it is Daniel (Agger) or any other player, you have to look at it.
Brendan Rodgers
Meanwhile, Rodgers has admitted he may lose Daniel Agger to Manchester City. The Premier League champions have contacted Liverpool regarding the Denmark international and although he doesn't want to lose the defender, Rodgers concedes finances may force his hand.
"Is he a player I want to lose? No. He understands how I want to work and can play a real pivotal part in how I want to play," said the Liverpool boss, whose side are 301.00 to finish in the top four next season.
"But I am a realist. If someone comes in with a massive bid and it is in the best interests of the club, whether it is Daniel or any other player, you have to look at it.
"The reality is we don't have the money that was here.
"I don't have a bucket-load of money to go and get in a load of players. We have to be strategic."
Liverpool take on West Brom on the first day of the Premier League season and are 8.50 to win 2-1, while a goalless draw can be backed at 11.00.
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