Liverpool close in on £15m Swansea midfielder, Joe Allen

Liverpool are ready to make Joe Allen their second signing of the new Anfield era by triggering a £15million release clause in his contract.

Swansea’s Allen, 23, has an agreement that allows him to go for that figure if Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal or the two Manchester clubs move in.

Yet if anyone else shows an interest — and Spurs are now believed to be in the hunt as well — then it becomes an open market and a bidder’s war.

And that has paved the way for Kop boss Brendan Rodgers to return to his former club for a player who is fast becoming one of the most sought after in the Premier League.

Rodgers confirmed a week ago that Allen was on his hitlist but had verbally agreed not to raid the side he left for Anfield last month.