Last updated on .From the section Football

Joe Allen (second left) celebrates his equaliser during Liverpool's 3-3 draw with Arsenal last week

Liverpool have rejected an enquiry from Swansea City about re-signing their former midfielder Joe Allen on loan.

Allen, 25, has 18 months left on the contract he signed when he left the Swans to join Liverpool in a £15m deal in August 2012.

The Wales international has started only one Premier League game since Jurgen Klopp was appointed manager at Anfield in October.

But Liverpool are keen to keep him as they compete in four competitions.

Allen scored Liverpool's first goal as they beat Exeter 3-0 on Wednesday to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The Reds, who are ninth in the Premier League, are also through to the knockout stages of the Europa League and lead Stoke 1-0 after the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final.

Swansea are eager to strengthen their midfield after selling Jonjo Shelvey to Newcastle for £12m.

They have also been linked with a move for another of their former midfielders, Napoli's Netherlands international Jonathan de Guzman.