Report: Celtic remain keen on Joe Allen, but he could stay at Stoke

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Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is reportedly eyeing a reunion with Joe Allen this summer, but a deal certainly will not come cheap.

According to a report from the Daily Mirror, Celtic are interested in making Joe Allen’s decision on his future slightly more difficult this summer with Brendan Rodgers keen to bring the 28-year-old to Parkhead.

Allen is facing a difficult few months following Stoke City’s relegation from the Premier League this past season. The 28-year-old made 36 appearances during the campaign and it would be little surprise if he was set to be given the chance to return to the top flight immediately during this summer window.

However, the Daily Mirror reports that Stoke hope that Allen – whose release clause is worth £25 million, but only if one of the top six in the Premier League bid for him – will decide to stay at the bet365 Stadium in the Championship. But Rodgers is seemingly keen to test his resolve.

The Mirror adds that Celtic are interested in bringing the Welshman to the Scottish Premiership this summer. Rodgers worked with Allen at Swansea City and then brought him to Liverpool when he got the Anfield job, and it seems that he is keen to work with him for a third time.

It is not clear what Stoke will want before they consider selling Allen, but given that they could potentially demand £25 million from the Premier League’s top six, the Potters may feel that they should be looking for a similar figure from any other side interested in bagging his signature.

Of course, that would surely leave Celtic with little chance of pulling off what would be a superb deal. Allen may have been relegated this past year, but he is a very classy player and would undoubtedly be an amazing addition for Rodgers if he somehow managed to get something done this summer.