Joe Allen’s £25m top-six clause ‘does not apply’ to Liverpool

Joe Allen has a release clause that allows him to leave Stoke for a top-six club that offers Stoke £25million.

Allen is one of few Stoke players who emerge from their relegation season with credit.

The Welshman has scored two goals and assisted six this season, missing just two games – Stoke’s two biggest defeats (7-2 v Man City, 5-0 v Chelsea).

Stoke could look to cash in on one of their true assets, and five of the current top six will have the opportunity to sign him for £25m.

According to John Percy of the Daily Telegraph, there is ‘a complex clause’ in Allen’s contract which can be triggered by Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Chelsea or Arsenal.

Liverpool are not included in the clause however, having sold the 28-year-old to the Potters for £13m in summer 2016.

Stoke stand to at least double their initial outlay on Allen, as ‘they can name their price to any other club’ outside the top six.

West Ham lodged a bid in January, while Stoke still hope to persuade Allen to stay as they drop into the Championship.