Liverpool are set to make Joe Allen their second major signing of the summer after triggering a release clause in the Wales international’s contract with Swansea City by tabling a £15 million bid.

The two clubs are now expected to hold further talks over the next 48 hours to establish a payment schedule, with Swansea bound to allow Allen to speak to Liverpool according to the terms of his contract.

Liverpool had initially offered £10 million for the 22-year-old and also gave Swansea the option of taking Jonjo Shelvey on loan next season as part of the proposed deal. That offer was rejected because of the insistence of Huw Jenkins, the Swansea chairman, that no makeweights would be acceptable and Liverpool have now returned with