Newcastle United are in a five-way battle to sign Stoke City midfielder Joe Allen, according to the Sun.
The newspaper claims that the Wales international is being chased by five clubs after his side had their relegation from the top flight confirmed.
It is understood that Newcastle are keen on the 28-year-old alongside West Ham, Swansea, Wolves and Spanish outfit Sevilla.
The report details that Stoke don’t want to lose him on the cheap despite relegation and there is a £20million scramble for him.
Good move for Newcastle?
Allen is a deep-lying playmaker that has been one of the stand out players at Stoke this season and he would be a great addition at St James’ Park.
The central midfielder has chipped in with four goals and seven assists in all competitions this campaign to show his attacking threat, but he also has a tremendous work-rate that makes him a manager’s dream.
He would definitely improve the Newcastle squad if he joined and is the type of marquee signing in the summer that would excite fans.
Allen is entering the peak years of his career and has proven himself to be a real success over the years in the Premier League.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
Newcastle certainly have the pulling power to attract someone of Allen’s calibre, but it remains to be seen if they would be able to splash out an eight-figure sum on his signature.
It is unclear on whether manager Rafael Benitez will receive a big transfer kitty for the summer window and at this moment they may not be one of the favourites to land the Stoke ace.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 3/10
