Interesting that the BBC is reporting that the Allen deal is now imminent because Liverpool have offloaded Aquilani.
They must be assuming that the undisclosed transfer fee + wages saved + Rodgers' knowledge of Allen's contract (minimum release fee of £15 million) = Allen to Liverpool.
But Liverpool can't bid for a year unless we accept a bid from another club and the minimum release fee is only activated when one of Man U, Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool bid.
So far only Spurs have bid and we can reject whatever they offer.
It seems to me we hold all the cards and Liverpool are far from favourites to land Allen.
How about we play hard ball and don't accept a Spurs bid unless it's circa £20 million. Could Liverpool afford him in those circumstances?
If Spurs don't bid anymore than £12-13.5 million than we sit tight and work on Allen signing a new and improved contract with a bigger release fee.
Of course if Laudrup thinks he can replace Allen and improve other positions with less than £15 million (I imagine he is negotiating with various clubs/players right now) than we can accept less...and only then do Liverpool stand a good chance.
On this deal we hold the superior negotiating position and he will only leave if it suits us.
Unlike Siggy the power is in our hands.
How do you know that for a fact?
Everything I've heard suggests that Allen can ask Swansea to allow him to speak to Liverpool if they meet the buy out clause, and they have to accept. Much like any buy out clause really.
And £20M? Come on, I know he's one of your best players but that's never going to happen.
Think the BBC are just speculating as well.
On another note, Sinclair had a good first touch last night!




