Swans eyeing Valencia deal
SWANSEA City have stepped up their search for a new forward and have outbid Lazio for West Ham’s Enner Valencia, according to reports in Italy.
Sky Sports Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claims that the Swans have trumped the Italian club’s loan bid for the Ecuador international by offering £10 million plus £3 million in add-ons to permanently sign the 26-year-old.
Francesco Guidolin will be looking to bring in at least one forward this summer, with out of favour Bafetimbi Gomis on the verge of becoming the third striker to leave the club this summer.
He is due to follow Eder and Alberto Paloschi through the Liberty Stadium exit door, with coach Alan Curtis suggesting something will be done ‘within days’ to finalise the Frenchman’s departure.
Lazio were understood to be making a loan offer for Valencia, with a view to a permanent deal, but the Hammers are waiting for the outcome of their pursuit of Carlos Bacca before making any decisions.
But Swansea’s offer of a permanent switch could see them hijack Lazio’s efforts to lure the striker to Italy.
Valencia scored five goals in each of his first two seasons in England but fell down the pecking order under Slaven Bilic last season.
Meanwhile another player strongly linked with a move to the Swans, Wales Euro 2016 sensation Joe Allen, is probably getting accustomed to frenzied speculation about his future.
But even the Liverpool man may have raised an eyebrow or two at reports emanating from London which claim new Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho wants to sign him from Liverpool.
Mourinho, on the brink of landing Paul Pogba from Juventus for £100m, apparently also intends to grab Allen as part of a new-look midfield – according to the reports, at least. The Essex Chronicle say West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is also in the mix to sign Carmarthenborn Allen, but point out Mourinho’s United are also in for him as rivals for his signature.
The Liverpool Echo have also reported the Allen to United link. However, they describe the move as “extremely unlikely” as no player has moved directly from Liverpool to Manchester United since Allenby Chilton in November 1938.
Swansea City, Sevilla and Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic are also amongst Allen’s suitors as the race to land the Wales midfielder hots up.
Allen’s stock has soared as a result of his stellar performances for Wales out in France, which saw him named with Aaron Ramsey in Uefa’s official Euro 2016 team of the tournament.
But he is still likely to play second fiddle to England’s Jordan Henderson and James Milner, plus Emre Can in the centre of Liverpool’s midfield under Jurgen Klopp, if he chooses to stay.
Allen is in the last 12 months of his contract and could leave for nothing next year.
If Liverpool want a fee, they need to cash in this summer, but have already rejected an £8m bid from Allen’s home-town club Swansea.
Allen’s transfer value has shot up after he wowed at the Euros, although it still seems a Man Utd £20m move is unlikely.
Klopp said of Allen’s future: “We have to make decisions, we have to find solutions.
“We have to talk to the player, ask the player and think about our situation. That’s how it works.”