Metro: Reds eye Allen

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has told Swansea to name their price for star midfielder Joe Allen.

Rodgers is set to ramp up his Anfield revolution in the next fortnight, with a number of ins and outs expected, following the £11million signing of Fabio Borini from Roma last week.

The former Swansea boss wants to replicate the attacking 4-3-3 formation he introduced at the Liberty Stadium, and has told Liverpool officials he wants pass-master Joe Allen to be the chief orchestrator in midfield.

Rodgers has already lodged an enquiry with the Swans over Allen but was told by his replacement Michel Laudrup that the player would be staying in Wales this summer - unless a huge offer was put on the table.

That appeared to be the end of the Reds' interest, but Rodgers returned over the weekend, and has now asked Laudrup to name his price.

Talented playmaker Allen, who will represent Team GB at the Olympics, is regarded as one of the best passing midfielders in the Premier League.

However, tearing Allen away from his boyhood club is not likely to be an easy feat, with Swansea likely to ask in excess of £20million.

Liverpool are also looking at Zenit star Igor Denisov and Napoli talent Marek Hamsik, while Alberto Aquilani may be handed an opportunity to try the position after AC Milan pulled out of the race to sign him to a permanent deal.

Elsewhere, Liverpool are have cooled their interest in Fulham's Clint Dempsey, after the London outfit demanded a £10million.

Source: Metro