West Ham are likely to be in the hunt to sign Stoke midfielder Joe Allen once the summer transfer window opens, according to the Telegraph.
The newspaper claims that the Championship club is expecting to see some of their players leave at the end of the season, and Allen, 29, is listed as someone who could be targetted by West Ham and Watford.
The Wales international has three years remaining on his contract at Stoke after penning a four-year deal last summer despite the Staffordshire club’s relegation from the Premier League.
Good move for West Ham?
Allen might not be the most attractive of names when you think of a central midfield playmaker, but he is certainly someone who might be able to do a job at the London Stadium.
Manuel Pellegrini could definitely sign worse midfielders than the former Liverpool and Swansea ace, who proved himself to be a steady performer in the Premier League.
Allen has 199 top-flight appearances to his name in England and could be a very solid addition in the summer transfer window.
Stoke may want a lot of money for the Welshman as he penned a long-term deal last summer.
However as long as West Ham aren’t paying over the odds, he would be a clever signing.
This is Futbol rating 7/10
Likely to happen?
Stoke seem to be expecting offers for players in the summer and Allen is among those who could be heading towards the exit.
Watford’s interest should be a concern for West Ham because Vicarage Road could be hosting Europa League football next season.
That could be a head-turner for Allen, who might not be seeing out that four-year deal at the Bet365 Stadium.
This is Futbol rating 6/10