Joe Allen close to £13m Stoke switch

Sarah Winterburn

Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen is expected to become a Stoke player in time to join up with his new teammates in Florida on Tuesday.

The Daily Telegraph’s John Percy – who has impeccable Midlands contacts – claims that Welshman Allen was due to meet Potters manager Mark Hughes on Sunday.

Stoke are the only Premier League club yet to make a signing but £13m Allen would be a welcome addition after an impressive Euro 2016 with Wales.

His former club Swansea are also said to be interested but Allen – who started only eight Premier League games for Liverpool last season – is said to be keen to work with Hughes.

Stoke are also hopeful of completing a £20m move for Saido Berahino despite interest from Crystal Palace.