Owain Tudur Jones has warned Swansea City they will be passing up a "massive opportunity" if they decide against a deal for midfielder Joe Allen, adding the former Liverpool man could well be willing to take a big pay cut to complete a move back to his boyhood club.
As exclusively revealed by WalesOnline, the Swans are keen to bring the Wales international back to SA1 this summer, and have already been in contact over a potential move. However, it's understood they are one of as many as 12 clubs to have taken an interest.
Allen himself is believed to be open to a return to south Wales, but a stay at Stoke City hasn't yet been ruled out, with the player meeting with the Potters this week to discuss his future. There's also believed to be interest from Spain.
But former Wales international Jones believes former team-mate Allen would be open to a return to the Swans, before appearing to imply that the 32-year-old would be willing to take a significant pay cut should Swansea decide to press ahead with a move.
Speaking to BBC Radio Cymru, Jones said: “Swansea are going to get the chance to get Joe, potentially on a quarter of his wages, and he’s happy to do that. So if the club decides to say ‘no we’re not going to give it the go ahead’, well, come on.
“It’s more than just what Joe can actually do on the field. He’s not the most passionate in terms of giving speeches and bringing out the best of people in that way, it’s more about how he behaves, how he speaks to people personally.
"But it’s more than that as well because of the feeling around the club, they’ll sell shirts. They’re going to miss a massive opportunity if they don’t act on this.”
The financial implications of a move would have to be carefully considered, as well as the potential knock-on effects for other business this summer. Nevertheless, the enthusiasm from Swans boss Russell Martin can't be disputed.
“He loves this club, I love him as a player. I will say it. I would love to [sign him]. We’ll have to wait and see," he said last weekend. You can read Martin's comments on Allen in full here.
As well as his club future, Allen also has the small matter of a key international window with Wales this summer, including a crucial World Cup play-off final with either Scotland or Ukraine.
Wales is likely to be at the forefront of Allen's mind over the coming weeks, although if Joel Piroe is sold sooner rather than later, it could free up the funds necessary to land the Welshman.
