Reports are emerging of a confirmed deal agreement between Joe Allen and Stoke City on a long-term basis. After much speculation over a potential club exit, the 28-year-old decided to tie his services to the club despite going down through relegation last term.
Allen was quoted, “I spoke to Tony Scholes once the season had ended and he made it very clear that the Club weren’t interested in selling me and that they wanted me to stay on. That stance from the Club, coupled with how settled I am here, how happy I am and how much I’ve enjoyed it, made it pretty straightforward for me.”
“As players, we have to shoulder responsibility for what happened last season. Sometimes in football when things go wrong players try to wash their hands of it but I’m hoping a few more of the lads will have the same target of trying to set the record straight and helping the Club bounce straight back.”
This could be a blow for Celtic as Brendan Rodgers had previously expressed interest in getting the central midfielder. With the Potters demoted to the Championship, the odds looked favourable towards a move to Glasgow.
Allen has previously worked with Rodgers at Swansea City and Liverpool and was the Hoops manager’s first signing at Anfield. The Welshman was highly lauded by Rodgers but could not carve out a prominent role with the Reds.
With him resigning with Stoke, Celtic might have to look for able replacements if they are to continue on their dominance in the Scottish top-flight. Here are a few names the former Liverpool boss should consider for the summer window.
John McGinn
The Hibernian midfielder has been at the top of rumour talks since the 2017/18 season ended and is being chased by Rodgers and a number of English outfits. McGinn is one of the best midfielders in the Scottish Premiership and is still only 23.
When asked about the player’s potential departure, the Hibs chief executive, Leeann Dempster had said, “We don’t live and die by transfer fees. If we were to receive a transfer fee for a player of some significance, of course, that would be welcome.”
Youssouf Mulumbu
Kilmarnock are no longer associated with the player after the completion of his short contract. The 31-year-old has managed to resurrect his dying career with the club and is wanted by clubs on the north side of the border.
Read More: 20 Y/O Celtic Midfielder Set To Depart The Club After Short Stint: Should Rodgers Let Him Leave?
Jack Rodwell
The Sunderland man has been linked with a move away to the MLS following his club’s relegation to the League One. The 27-year-old has heaps of playmaking abilities under those rusty boots and is looking for a way out of Wearside anyway.
