Everton are reportedly among five Premier League clubs keen to sign Joe Allen from relegated Stoke City.
The initial reaction to Everton’s alleged interest in Joe Allen seems a little harsh.
Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that he never really established himself in four years at the Toffees’ Merseyside rivals Liverpool. Or maybe it is more linked to the fact that Everton have money to burn and fans are demanding more than a player who has only recently been relegated with Stoke City.
It is understood that the Welsh international is valued at around £20 million, according to the Sun and, in today’s market, that is not a ridiculous figure for a player who stood out during two years at Stoke.
In fact, he is surely one of the few players who has emerged from the Potters’ relegation with his reputation intact. A hard-working, combative midfielder whose passing and vision remains criminally underrated, you could argue that Allen would be an upgrade on either Tom Davies or Morgan Schneiderlin in Everton’s midfield.
But should the Toffees win the race, the fans will need some persuading.
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