Joe Allen has turned down a new contract offer at Stoke City.
The Welshman's previous deal with the Potters expires this summer, although Michael O'Neill's side held talks with the midfielder to extend his stay at the bet365 Stadium. However, The Telegraph state that Allen has rejected the offer of a new deal in Staffordshire.
It means Allen - who is now able to join a new club on a free transfer - is set to leave Stoke after six years at the club.
READ MORE: Swansea City poised to sign new defender from Belgium as significant coach update also emerges
Swansea City remain interested in the midfielder, who recently helped fire Wales to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Swans head coach Russell Martin and chief executive Julian Winter were in attendance as Rob Page's men defeated Ukraine 1-0 at Cardiff City Stadium to end their 64-year wait to qualify for the tournament.
Martin was delighted with Allen's display in the Welsh capital ( read more on that here ), and the midfielder's efforts only further increased his desire to bring the boyhood Swan back to the Swansea.com Stadium. However, he is accepting that the club need to raise funds to get the deal over the line.
Jay Fulton and Liam Walsh have been with the squad at Swansea's week-long training camp at Pennyhill Park, and Martin would probably look to offload at least one of those players in a bid to free up a place and some funds to bring in Allen.
Swansea have already signed Harry Darling, Wasiri Williams and Nathan Wood this summer while they are close to adding left wing-back Matthew Sorinola to their ranks. As for the youth set-up, Ben Blythe and Remy Mitchell are close to joining.
But they are yet to sell any of their players this summer, and Martin is only too aware that there is a significant financial hole to fill, with Joel Piroe among those in the frame to depart for a hefty sum. The Dutchman has attracted transfer interest from Watford.
READ NEXT:
-
Swansea City poised to sign new defender from Belgium as significant coach update also emerges
-
Swansea City have just addressed a key weakness and the dossier that blew Russell Martin away
-
Jamie Paterson signs Swansea City contract extension as Russell Martin makes exciting admission
-
The 95 minutes and 56 seconds of evidence that proves Joe Allen is perfect for Swansea City
-
Championship 2022/23 fixtures Live: Swansea City discover schedule for upcoming season
