IS IT GO FOR JOE?
Allen linked with a return to top flight
JOE Allen could be set for a return to the Premier League this summer.
A number of top-flight clubs are said to be monitoring the Narberthborn star, with Wolves thought to be leading the chase for his signature.
Stoke City are keen to hold on to Allen, but a bid in the region of around £10 million could persuade them to sell the Welsh international.
It has been reported that Wolves director of football Kevin Thelwell was a regular visitor to the Bet365 Stadium last season, with Allen among the players he was monitoring.
Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo is keen to strengthen his squad this summer as he faces the twin demands of the Premier League and the Europa League, and a player such as Allen could fit the ball.
The midfield ace is a proven international performer – he was named in the Euro 2016 team of the tournament – and has a wealth of European experience thanks to his spell with Liverpool, for whom he featured in a Europa League final.
Allen has revealed that manager Nathan Jones has told him he wants him to stay at Stoke, but he admits he would have to consider any summer offers from the Premier League.
The 29-year-old insists he remains happy at the club, but was disappointed at Stoke’s failure to even threaten promotion from the Championship last term.
His vibrant midfield play is wanted by Jones in his new-look Stoke but the club, as well as the player, would have to consider any serious offers before the transfer window shuts in August.
Asked about his future, Allen confessed: “Honestly, who knows? I was asked the same question this time last year and didn’t know, but I’m still here.
“I think the club are going to speak to people over the next few weeks about whether they’ve got a future here and what lies ahead, who’s coming in, who’s going out.
“So in a few weeks I’ll be back for pre-season anyway.
“It’s always nice to hear that he does want me to be part of the plans.
“That’s always good as a player to hear. It’s not easy being told the opposite.
“My stance is, if an opportunity came about that was a great opportunity in the Premier League, then I would have to consider it.
“But as we all know, I’m under contract here.
“So until this club agrees anything or tell me otherwise, I’m a Stoke City player.”
Allen, who won his 50th cap for Wales in the 2-1 defeat to Croatia last Saturday, progressed through the youth ranks at Swansea City before moving to Liverpool in a £15 million deal in the summer of 2012.
His spell at Anfield came to an end in 2016, but there is no doubting Allen remains a player of rare quality, a tenacious midfielder with excellent passing ability who is capable of playing on the highest of stages.
Wales boss Ryan Giggs insists his key midfielder is worthy of a return to the top flight.
“Of course Joe could play at a higher level,” said Giggs.
“He has played in the Premier League. Since I’ve taken over, he’s one of the most reliable players who you just know what you’re going to get, both in training and in games.
“He’ll take the ball anywhere. That’s something he did at Swansea in his early days. He wants the ball, he wants to play football the right way.”
“He’s an intelligent player and a great lad who you know you can rely on.
“He’s great to have around the place.
“He knows his ability, he’s not over-confident, he’s not cocky, he just believes in what kind of a player he is.”