Have Wolves identified Josef de Souza as a half-price Joe Allen alternative?

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Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers were reportedly willing to pay Stoke City £20m for Joe Allen – but now want Fenerbahce’s ace instead.

Stoke City might have been relegated from the Premier League but that does not necessarily mean Joe Allen will be fighting tooth and nail to escape this summer.

The likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers have been linked with the 28-year-old Welsh international. The Sun claimed that the Championship winners could launch a £20 million as they prepare for life back in the big time.

But, in an interview with The Mirror, Allen played down suggestions that he is on his way, admitting that he would consider staying with Stoke, who have this week appointed Gary Rowett as their new manager.

So do reports from Turkey suggesting that Wolves have suddenly expressed an interest in Josef de Souza suggest that they have identified a possible alternative to their £20 million midfield target?

Takvim have stated that Wolves are keen on the three-time Brazilian international de Souza, who scored three goals in 32 Turkish Super Lig starts for Fenerbahce last season. It is understood that they are willing to pay around £10 million for the 29-year-old, who has just one year left on his contract.

Like Allen, de Souza is renowned for his tenacity in the centre of the park, his ability to win back possession, hassle and harry opponents with his boundless energy and move the ball on intelligenty with his smart distribution.

De Souza averaged 2.2 interceptions and 3.2 tackles per game last season while boasting an impressive pass completion rate of 88 per cent. And, it is worth pointing out, he would possibly cost half as much as Allen.