According to a recent report from Daily Mirror, Celtic was considering making a move for Joe Allen this summer following Stoke City’s relegation from the Premier League.
Brendan Rodgers’ working history with Allen at Swansea and Liverpool probably gave the Hoops high hopes of getting the deal done, especially as the Bhoys had Champions League football on offer.
West Ham could offer Allen the chance to play in Europe next term, but according to the Telegraph, Manuel Pellegrini’s side was interested in a potential deal following the potters’ demotion.
However, it now appears that both Celtic and West Ham will be left hanging as a report claim that Allen is now ready to recommit his future to Gary Rowett’s side in a new deal two years after moving to the bet365 Stadium in a £12 million deal.
It is certainly a surprise that Allen is considering staying with Stoke City this summer and help the club make their demotion a brief one, and perhaps the decision drops a hint that Stoke is planning for better things aside promotion to the Premier League.
The Telegraph suggests that the Wales international hasn’t gotten a real offer so far, and perhaps Celtic and West Ham will regret not acting sooner if he does sign fresh terms for the club.
Allen may have suffered relegation, but he has been one of the consistent performers in the Premier League in recent years and it is hard to argue that he would not have brought innovation to Celtic and West Ham’s midfield had he joined either. But it appears they have lost the opportunity for the time being.
