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West Ham in five-way battle for Allen

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West Ham United have joined a five-way tussle for Stoke midfielder Joe Allen after the Potters were confirmed as the first side to be relegated from the Premier League, according to The Sun.

The newspaper report that the 28-year-old is set to cost around £20million, with Newcastle, Wolves, Swansea and La Liga outfit Sevilla interested.

The Sun claim that Stoke will demand big money for their star midfielder despite dropping down to the Championship, with there being no relegation clause written into Allen’s contract.

Good move for West Ham?

Absolutely.

Allen has proved himself to be a top operator at Premier League level since emerging during his time at Swansea City, and he deserves to be playing at this level next season.

The Wales international struggled during his time at Liverpool but that was down to the quality in the rest of their squad, and he would fit in perfectly at the London Stadium.

The Hammers have been lacking a regular partner in midfield for Mark Noble, whether that has been for injury or form reasons, and Allen could easily become that man if they swoop for him this summer.

Forever West Ham rating: 8/10

Likely to happen?

It looks like the competition will be fierce for Allen’s signature, and West Ham will have to move quickly to make this one happen.

A lot may come down to the player himself and his desires for the next step in his career, with Sevilla in La Liga surely to be an enticing option.

A return to Swansea may also appeal to the 28-year-old, but the Hammers would certainly be in with a shout if they manage to convince Allen of the project in place at the London Stadium.

It does look absolutely certain that Allen will leave Stoke this summer, and we will just have to wait and see whether West Ham is where he decides to continue his career.

Forever West Ham rating: 3/10

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