17 Mar 2015

Confirmed: 'Incredible' £20m midfielder in 'early' talks with Liverpool and wants to 'commit' for 'years'

Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling are among a number of Liverpool players currently in the process of negotiating new contracts, and Joe Allen has now confirmed that he is also in talks with the Reds over a new deal.

Last week, the Daily Mail claimed:

* Liverpool have 'opened talks' with Joe Allen over a new signing a new deal.
* Brendan Rodgers wants to keep [Allen] for the long-term.

Speaking to the BBC on Saturday, £20m-rated Allen confirmed the report:

"We're at the early stages [of talks]. I'm looking to commit my future and be here for years. It's just a case of playing regularly and putting in consistent performances"

Although he'll never (IMO) be a regular first-teamer, Allen - hailed by Brendan Rodgers last week for his 'incredible' performance against Manchester City - is an excellent player to have in the squad, and more often than not, he's capable of coming into the team and doing a creditable job. Allen will have to improve his injury history, though. Since signing for Liverpool, he's suffered SIX different issues, and spent 236 days on the sidelines (missing 36 games in the process). With that in mind, it's possible that the Reds may use that fact as a bargaining chip in negotiations, and in my view, that's fair enough.

I still can't see how Allen is ever going to be a regular first-teamer, especially after Liverpool inevitably bring in someone during the summer to try and fill the Steven Gerrard void. If the club spends £20m+ on a new midfielder, whoever it is won't be sitting on the bench.

One thing's fore sure, though - Allen's contract negotiations will almost certainly be much less protracted than the ongoing Raheem Sterling sideshow, and that'll be a welcome relief.

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33 comments:

  1. Allen had a fantastic game

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  2. Allen and Migs were our two best performers last night. Allen deserves his contract; for his attitude, willingness and ability to slot in to a number of different positions and turn out good performances.

    Mignolet's transformation from slow-witted liability to quick-thinking, box-commanding Colossus is nothing short of remarkable.

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  3. I'd call him our own version of James Milner. Capable in most midfield roles and very useful if you need to rotate your squad, but not necessarily a stand-out performer who is going to win a lot of awards. I suspect he'll continue to improve if he can stay fit and healthy. Any inbound players will see Allen at training and, knowing how much the manager values him, will have to out-perform him in order to earn their starting spots. He's a good benchmark, a player who knows the style of football required and does the things the manager asks of him without question. Anyone who comes to Liverpool and can't out-perform Allen on the training ground simply won't start ahead of him.

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  4. "Allen will have to improve his injury history, though"

    as if he can decide whether he's getting injured or not ...

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  5. Good to read realistic and appreciative words on Allen, he's been good, going on very good, since he came back after Christmas. Last night was interesting from him. There were several uncharacteristic mistakes, but also more evidence of a willingness to involve himself creatively. An epic dribble or two, some appearances in the box, even a couple of shots. Signs of growing confidence perhaps?

    Still, if only there could be signs of him just... growing. Because if Joe Allen were 6'5" he'd be the Welsh Yaya Toure.

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  6. Looked up 'midfield maestro' on google search. Bunch of Allen's photos...

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  7. Those few mistakes were really bad, but things he's done right.. Magnificently brilliant!

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  8. I have been a critic of Joe Allen but have to say he's been very good the last few games. Jaimie probably right tho..hard to ever see him ever being a regular starter but he's a good squad player to have..

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  9. Magnificent squad player... Sorry, have to overpraise...

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  10. Best young squad player in Europe.

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  11. in the words of BR: "I genuinely believe in Joe Allen we have a brilliant technician, who we believe will be a world class young squad player in the next few years."

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  12. At week 29 last season,Liverpool was exactly 4 points behind City as they are presently in today. If Liverpool goes on winning all their remaining games , they would end up with 81 points. That is quite astonishing considering it will be a mere 3 points of their last season's amazing season run. Having said that, on the negative side, Liverpool appear to be running out of steam just like how they were in their final 7 games where they won 5 (only by a single goal margin), drew one and lost one. Those precious lost 5 points costed them the title last season. Only positive point is the squad was much thinner then as compared to now. Liverpool may just have enough energy left to get 3 points over MU this Sunday. Then there is a 2 week international break to re energize their final push to the finish line. The coin may just fall in Liverpool's favour if they beat MU on Sunday. YNWA

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  13. I can't see him accepting a reduction to £150k

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  14. Yes, but in keeping with the predictions and his progress, the money will be over the 'next few years.'

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  15. Yes he should have, but the pass was late. The lateness allowed Amat to get back. Why was Studge our on the wing so much? Seemed like he was never near the middle of the pitch when we were attacking.

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  16. Allegedly Bayern are also interested, as they want to replace Alonso

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  17. He could do with getting a bit taller too

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  18. I like the idea of "winning all our games" but it means defeating moureen at stamford bridge and beating wenger at the emirates? I think the optimism is becoming too much and now difficult to separate from fantasy, Im afraid. I want it to happen but cant see it happening hence I share the concern with Ryo about goal difference. We need to thrash small teams like newcastle, villa and hope for the best against the chelskis and gooners

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  19. Well, there is certainly one thing he has complete control over ... his hair. And no excuses with the guru of style Emre Can in the team. When he's not filling in at CB he's helping the guys choose the right product to strike that perfect balance between hold, volume and texture. Is there anything he Can not do?

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  20. After giving him some stick earlier on when he had the ball, the swans fans were shocked by his turn around to start making those forward runs.

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  21. So Liverpool equaled a Shankly era record for consecutive away clean sheets. Probably not the most illustrious of competition along the way however it's a strong message: Liverpool are no longer a defensive liability. Could it be true? Has Rodgers found a way to make it work? Has Mignolet found the kind of form that means he deserves that #1 shirt? Are opposition attackers so in awe of Can's perfect hair that they simply forget to play football when he's in front of them?


    I think in the past every one of this defensive unit has been questioned. Skrtel was bench fodder, certain to be sold and upgraded. Sakho was over-priced and looked funny. Emre Can was a midfielder. Mignolet was ... well, he was Mignolet. I say credit to them, they've really come together and they are fighting for the team. This is a defense that Rafa would be proud of.

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  22. "Are opposition attackers so in awe of Can's perfect hair..." Nice one. But I think ever since he bossed Lukaku and the mental patient from chelski (costa), other attackers have taken notice. Would love it if BR can unearth another raw gem like Can who can play in the defensive mid to add steel to our defensive set up

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  23. Sturridge managed to get through the 90 minutes, he's now officially match fit. So no more excuses really.

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  24. Up voted even with your spelling of forward.

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  25. True about Can's hair.

    Nothing else matters.

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  26. No his not,he slow down play & his too selfish.

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  27. I think BR should drop DS for Sunday's match bec he slows the game down for Lfc now....maybe later when his fit then he can start.Sterling will be do a better job against Man u

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  28. Ahmad Doussoruth5:15 pm, March 17, 2015

    We gonna be champions man,we gonna beat Chelsea at the bridge to go top and win it,chelsea ,s time to stumble now

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  29. I didn't mean to imply that I thought that would actually happen! Just that it's not difficult to imagine us picking up +10 GD in the next 10 games, particularly since we gained +15 in the last 15.

    Optimism is more fun than the other thing, anyway!

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  30. Not every player in your squad can be world beaters. Capable squad players are essential for any successful squad and Allen is a more than capable squad player who works hard, does a job and doesn't rock the boat. Sign him up

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  31. After stating only a fool would attempt to predict the top 4....you went on to predict it anyway..... :-)

    Just sayin...

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  32. Agreed, but are you still within that same positive framework of looking at things as you had here?

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