Transfer news

Laudrup won't block Allen exit

July 21, 2012
By ESPN staff

Swansea boss Michael Laudrup is still yet to receive an offer from Liverpool for midfielder Joe Allen but says he would not stand in the way of the 22-year-old should he wish to leave.

Joe Allen
PA PhotosJoe Allen is currently with Team GB at the Olympics

• Laudrup: No Reds bid for Allen
• Swans swoop for Michu

Liverpool have been linked to a £15 million move for Allen, who was the fulcrum of Swansea's midfielder under newly-appointed Reds boss Brendan Rodgers last season. It is understood Rodgers has agreed not to move for any of his former stars, unless the player expresses a wish to leave the Liberty Stadium.

Laudrup says he would ideally keep hold of the Team GB midfielder but, having signed Michu and Jonathan de Guzman, he would not block a Liverpool approach should one arrive.

"I haven't spoken to Joe since I have taken over. I haven't spoken to any of the three Olympics players and we have not had any contact from Liverpool," Laudrup said. "I am in contact with the chairman every day. We agree that if there will be an approach then we will have to talk to the player. We cannot just answer 100% yes or no without having talked to the player.

"That's a problem because he has to concentrate on the Olympics, but we will have to deal with that if and when it comes to that. You can force players to stay but how does that help? It doesn't work like that. It's better to find a solution that suits both parties."

Rodgers recently indicated that he would be interested in signing Allen.

"I have a great relationship with Swansea but, if there is a market for any of the players, I would like to be in that market," he told SkySports.com. "They respect that. He is a very talented player, which everyone knows, but there is nothing more at the moment.

"When players come to a club such as Liverpool, it's never straightforward. There are always other barriers and difficulties. At this moment, there are ongoing negotiations on a few targets."

  • ussoccer U.S. Soccer
    Honduras sub 21-Rojas in for 13-Costly. Calf injury for Costly #USAvHON 0-0, 34'
    about a minute ago     
  • DougMacESPN Doug McIntyre
    Losing Costly at this point in the match is a huge blow for Honduars. #USAvHON
    2 minutes ago     
  • DougMacESPN Doug McIntyre
    #usmnt needs to be wary of the quick give-and-go in behind the back line. Happened a few times vs Panama, too. #USAvHON
    5 minutes ago     
  • ussoccer U.S. Soccer
    Jozy going hard, clips the Honduran defender who goes down. Referee tells Jozy "no more". He's one of the #USMNT playing on a yellow
    6 minutes ago     
  • DougMacESPN Doug McIntyre
    Omar Gonzalez still a little bit scary with the ball at his feet. #USAvHON
    7 minutes ago     
  • DougMacESPN Doug McIntyre
    Altitude might be a factor on some of these over-hit passes. #USAvHON
    8 minutes ago     
  • ussoccer U.S. Soccer
    Evans gets forward but cant get the cross off after megging the first defender. 25'
    10 minutes ago     
  • D6MERIT Jay DeMerit
    2-0 #starsandstripes “@DaveDavies87: @D6MERIT score prediction on this Honduras vs Amurika match?”
    11 minutes ago     
  • ussoccer U.S. Soccer
    #USMNT controlling the possession. Honduras with limited chances so far. #USAvHON, 0-0 23'
    12 minutes ago     
  • ussoccer U.S. Soccer
    Bradley collects and finds Dempsey in the box! he mistimes his header. All alone in the box Missed chance for #USMNT ... 21'
    14 minutes ago     
  • ussoccer U.S. Soccer
    a couple beautiful one timers from the #USMNT. F. Johnson puts the ball to top of 18 and EJ hits it first time. HON keeper pushes it wide
    16 minutes ago     
  • DougMacESPN Doug McIntyre
    Fabian Johnson really getting forward well. That was a terrific cross there. #USAvHON
    18 minutes ago     
  • ussoccer U.S. Soccer
    F. Johnson, Bradley and Dempsey flying all over the place. no fouls. U.S. corner kick. 0-0, 15'
    21 minutes ago     
  • robbierogers Robbie Rogers
    Hard days work with @juliefoudy @espn #outsidethelines #myrooftopsghetto http://t.co/YfSNyDwl9t
    22 minutes ago     
  • PCarrESPN Paul Carr
    That's 12 yellow cards in 32 #USMNT games for Jermaine Jones. Eight U.S. players on the field now have a yellow.
    23 minutes ago     
  • ussoccer U.S. Soccer
    Honduras with the free kick but the wall did its job. #USAvHON, 0-0 12'
    23 minutes ago     
  • ussoccer U.S. Soccer
    Turnover by Omar in the #USMNT third. Foul on Jones top of the 18. Jones given a yellow
    25 minutes ago     
  • ussoccer U.S. Soccer
    Zusi takes the corner. Dempsey with the header, but its over the bar. USAvHON, 0-0 9'
    26 minutes ago     
  • ussoccer U.S. Soccer
    Some nice passing by the #USMNT. F. Johnson with a cross to the near post. Corner U.S.
    27 minutes ago     
  • ussoccer U.S. Soccer
    Honduras with foray into the attacking third. Foul on EJ right outside of the box. First real threat from the visitors. #USAvHON, 0-0 5'
    29 minutes ago     
  • ussoccer U.S. Soccer
    Foul on Jones. Dempsey wiping his face. Looks like a bug flew into his eye
    31 minutes ago