Stoke City are hoping to secure the services of midfielder Joe Allen for next season as talks are opened with the player.
There were rumours that the Welsh international would leave the club in the summer after the Potters were relegated from the top flight following a ten-year stay. But now hopes are high that Allen will be the main midfield linchpin for the new season in the Championship.
Talks are said to be in an advanced stage according to the Telegraph, even though there has been interest for the 28-year-old from the likes of Newcastle United.
Staying at the bet365 Stadium will certainly mean that Allen will take a pay cut, but the likelihood is that a deal can be done for the player who scored four times and assisted seven other goals from his 38 appearances last term.
In other news, England boss Gareth Southgate has confirmed Jack Butland will start in goal in Thursday’s friendly against Costa Rica.
The opportunity will mean that Butland has a chance to elevate himself above Jordan Pickford at the World Cup. Pickford looks set to be the main keeper in Russia, but this is a good chance for Butland who takes his place in the side at Elland Road.
