Celtic

Celtic interested in Stoke midfielder Joe Allen

|
Image for Celtic interested in Stoke midfielder Joe Allen

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is chasing the signature of Stoke midfielder Joe Allen after the Staffordshire club was relegated from the Premier League, according to the Mirror.

The newspaper claims that Gary Rowett has been asked to offload a number of players this summer after he was appointed in charge at the Bet365 Stadium and Stoke are expecting offers for the likes of Allen, Jack Butland and Xherdan Shaqiri.

It is understood that Allen has a £25million release clause that can be activated by top-six Premier League clubs but the chiefs at the Bet365 are hopeful of convincing the Welsh playmaker to stay.

Statistics website Spotrac reports that the former Swansea and Liverpool ace, who played under Rodgers at Anfield, earns £50,000-a-week in his deal.

Good move for Celtic?

Allen would be a terrific signing for Celtic and would easily be the most influential playmaker in Scotland if he was to move north of the border to reunite with Rodgers.

It’s hard to see how Stoke got relegated with players like Allen, Shaqiri and Butland in their side, and the vultures are bound to circle the Potters this summer to pick off their best talent.

Celtic should definitely ramp up their interest in the Wales international, because he would be a massive improvement on what Rodgers already has.

This is Futbol rating 10/10

Likely to happen?

Stoke appear convinced that they can keep hold of Allen, but it’s going to be very tough if the Welshman tried to force a move back to the Premier League, or as Rodgers will be hoping, Glasgow.

The Hoops will struggle to offer a decent fee for the midfielder while his wages are also going to be hard to overcome for the Scottish champions.

It’s hard to see how Rodgers could realistically sign his former Liverpool player.

This is Futbol rating 1/10

Share this article