Published: Today at 00:02
LIVERPOOL are ready to make Joe Allen their second signing of the new Anfield era by triggering a £15million release clause in his contract.
Swansea’s Allen, 23, has an agreement that allows him to go for that figure if Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal or the two Manchester clubs move in.
Yet if anyone else shows an interest — and Spurs are now believed to be in the hunt as well — then it becomes an open market and a bidder’s war.
And that has paved the way for Kop boss Brendan Rodgers to return to his former club for a player who is fast becoming one of the most sought after in the Premier League.
Rodgers confirmed a week ago that Allen was on his hitlist but had verbally agreed not to raid the side he left for Anfield last month.
But with interest now heightening in the Wales midfielder, Liverpool will push the boat out to add another Swans star to the squad.
The Reds are believed to have already made contact with Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins, who wants the full figure rather than a lower payment of around £10m plus players on loan.
And although Rodgers knows he must clear some of the high-earning bit-part players from Anfield, principal owner John W Henry has promised significant funds will be available.
Allen is currently on Team GB duty but is aware of the Reds’ determination to land him. Sources insist he is equally keen to link up with his old gaffer on Merseyside.
Now Rodgers is increasingly confident the Swans’ prize asset, who is contracted to the club until 2015, will be a Liverpool player after the Olympics.
The Irish manager has already landed one former Swansea star in Fabio Borini, who linked up with his new club here in Boston yesterday.
But Liverpool’s hopes of signing Clint Dempsey have taken a blow with the news Fulham will offer the American striker a hefty pay rise to stay at the club for the last 12 months of his deal.
