Celtic are the favorites to secure the services of Stoke City midfielder Joe Allen. According to the latest bookmakers’ odds, the Hoops are in prime position to land the Welsh international. The United Kingdom bookmakers Sky Bet has Celtic priced at 4/1 to sign the 27-year-old, with West Ham United (9/2) also another prime destination for the ex Liverpool midfielder. Although, the bookies have listed Allen to stay with the Potters which is priced at 2/7 in his effort to help them avoid relegation at the end of the season.
Allen signed for Stoke City after he was unable to impress at Liverpool for a fee in the region of £13m in the summer of 2016. He has previously worked with the current Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers during their time at Liverpool and Swansea City. So a reunion might be on the cards as Allen is highly admired by Rodgers. However, any possible move will hinge on the Potters and whether they are willing to part ways with their prized asset.
Allen has made 21 appearances for Stoke City this season and has scored 3 goals and made 5 assists so far in all competitions. His creativity from midfield is something that Celtic could make use of as they look set to secure another Scottish Premiership title at the end of the current campaign.
Allen recently featured in Stoke City’s embarrassing exit at the hands of the Coventry City away in the third round of the FA Cup which led to the sacking of their manager Mark Hughes. The Potters are in deep trouble in the Premier League as well and are currently sitting in 18th place in the league table with only goal difference separating them from Southampton. They are in dire need to turn things around so a potential sale of one of their key midfield talents could be the final nail in their Premier League coffin.
However, the money generated from the sale could be used to strengthen in other areas of the squad as they fight for every point from now until the end of the season.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has previously stated his admiration for Joe Allen when he signed for Liverpool. In an interview after Liverpool acquired Allen, Rodgers was quoted to have said,
“He’s been phenomenal with his precision in his passing, his technique and his vision.
“Joe’s just got an in-built brain for football and life.
“He’s a very humble kid.
“He’s just strolled in here and not many people will have known him.
“But if you ask anyone here, including the players, they will know him now.”
It remains to be seen whether the reigning Scottish champions opts for a move to sign Allen in the near future.
