Leicester and Southampton join the race for Joe Allen

The Liverpool midfielder has been given no assurances about his future at the club as he enters the final year of his contract, but has not been told that he can leave Anfield.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has indicated that Joe Allen’s salary won’t be an issue for the club if he wants to sign the Liverpool midfielder this summer.

Sevilla too have identified Allen as a player who would instantly improve their options in the centre of the park under incoming manager Jorge Sampaoli.

Jurgen Klopp has expressed his desire to strengthen his midfield in addition to Serbian global, Marko Grujic, who will arrive at Anfield this summer after signing for Liverpool in the January transfer window.

Though Liverpool fans would like Allen to stay at the club, they are likely to accept his need to play more regular fitst team football, which he is unlikely to get at his current side with Klopp looking at a number of central midfield targets. “That’s why Liverpool paid the money they did for him”.

Francesco Guidolin’s men have had an offer of £8m firmly rebuffed, but are expected to step up their pursuit following Wales’ participation at the Euros in France.

Allen’s performances have continued his impressive late-season form for Liverpool as he began to play an increasingly prominent role under Jurgen Klopp.

The Northern Irishman, now in charge of Celtic and discussing his transfer plans, said: “Joe is a wonderful player”.

Meanwhile, Liverpool will have to wait to wrap up the signing of Zielinski from Udinese. “Joe is a very good player and I’m glad he’s showcasing it now because he deserves it, it’s on the highest stage, and he’s worked very, very hard”.