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Jurgen Klopp insists that talks with Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen over his future are on hold until the summer.

The Wales international has been linked with a move away from Anfield with his former club Swansea City keen on taking him back to South Wales.

Allen only has one year remaining on his current deal and Liverpool have so far made no attempt to get him tied down to a new contract.

The 26-year-old has been out of favour for long periods of the season but he has produced some impressive performances in recent weeks – staking a claim to be part of Klopp’s long-term plans.

The manager doesn’t believe the uncertainty over Allen’s future is a distraction and intends to sit down with him at the end of the campaign.

Asked about whether Liverpool intended to offer Allen a new contract, Klopp said: “It is not for me to decide now.

“Since I’ve been here Joe Allen was too often injured but now he is in a great shape.

“For me it is not the time for me to talk about this.”

Allen, who is expected to start Sunday’s league game at Bournemouth, is guaranteed to have a big role to play over the coming weeks as Liverpool chase Europa League glory.

Klopp has seen his central midfield options heavily depleted with Emre Can and captain Jordan Henderson both suffering potentially season-ending injuries.

“It could be better but I am fine,” Klopp said.

“Everyone can see how well he did when Joe Allen came in so it is a really good opportunity for him.

“Lucas Leiva is here, Kevin Stewart is here and we have Pedro Chirivella and Cameron Brannagan so we have a few boys still for the central positions.

“We cannot bring them altogether but we have to give them confidence to believe they can do it, especially with the young boys.

“We want to take everything we can get out of this season and that means being ready for Bournemouth.”