The Europa League champions are in the market for a midfielder in the mould of the 26-year-old, but face competition to land the player, who will cost £10m

EXCLUSIVE

Sevilla are considering an approach for Liverpool’s Joe Allen, but Swansea are currently in pole position to land the Wales international, Goal understands.

The 26-year-old, who spent five years in the first team at the Liberty Stadium before making the switch to Anfield in August 2012, is out of contract next summer.

The Reds have placed a non-negotiable £10 million price tag on the midfielder, with Swansea having already officially registered their interest in re-signing their academy graduate.

Sevilla too have identified Allen as a player who would instantly improve their options in the centre of the park under incoming manager Jorge Sampaoli.





The Europa League champions are also looking at Roque Mesa from Las Palmas, but are encouraged by the Welshman's situation.



He wants to start regularly next season, and will not enjoy that at Anfield with Jurgen Klopp already fortifying his options in the middle of the pitch by signing Serbian starlet Marko Grujic and moving for Poland international Piotr Zielinski.

Sevilla, who ousted the Reds in the final of the continental competition at St Jakob-Park in May, could tempt Allen with the offer of Champions League football.

They would only be allowed to negotiate with him should they meet Liverpool’s asking price, which Swansea have yet to do.

Francesco Guidolin’s men have had an offer of £8m firmly rebuffed, but are expected to step up their pursuit following Wales’ participation at the Euros in France.

Allen has been one of the best performers in the tournament, with Brendan Rodgers also admitting an interest in recruiting the talent he managed at Swansea, and then purchased at Liverpool as his second signing.

The Northern Irishman, now in charge of Celtic and discussing his transfer plans, said: “Joe is a wonderful player. I always look at all my former players.”





Meanwhile, Liverpool will have to wait to wrap up the signing of Zielinski from Udinese. The player’s agent, Bartlomiej Bolek told Goal: “He is completely focused on the Euros and nothing else now. Afterwards, there may be things to discuss.”

The Reds bid £11m inclusive of add-ons as well as a sell-on clause for the midfielder, who has rejected advances from Napoli and made clear his desire to work under Klopp. The Serie A side are holding out for around £15m.

Liverpool have also had a £7m proposal - £5m with a further £2m in extras - for left-back Ben Chilwell rejected by Leicester. The the Premier League champions want £10m for the 19-year-old.

Chilwell only has 12 months remaining on his current deal, and is yet to sign a new contract with the Foxes. Arsenal were also monitoring the England Under-21 international, but Anfield is his preferred destination.

Liverpool will be forced to look elsewhere if Leicester don’t soften their stance, with Hull’s Andy Robertson, 22, an alternative.





The Reds will also push on with their chase of Southampton’s Sadio Mane, who will fetch a £30m fee, with positive negotiations continuing.

As revealed by Goal, Klopp will most likely have to wait a year to land Borussia Monchengladbach’s Mahmoud Dahoud. The Bundesliga side are in a strong position to thwart interest in the 20-year-old, but Liverpool are not deterred by having to be patient to secure a talent who fits into the club’s long-term plan.

Martin Skrtel has not yet committed to Fenerbahce as more bids are expected for the defender, while the Reds are waiting on offers for striker Mario Balotelli.