Liverpool Transfer News: Swansea's Joe Allen Is Better Fit Than Clint Dempsey

In what has been an ever-changing scenario since the end of the Premier League season, one thought has remained constant: Liverpool are the absolute favorites to land Clint Dempsey from Fullham.

That may not be the case anymore, and that could end up being just fine with Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers. 

According to Matt Law of Mirror, the Reds are in grave danger of losing out to Italian club Roma in the Dempsey sweepstakes. But they're getting closer and closer to making a similarly enormous deal that could give them a much-needed shot in the arm.

Liverpool ownership has been working with Joe Allen and his current team, Swansea City, on a deal that could send Allen to Anfield before next season. Rodgers has reportedly offered ­£12.5 million for the Welsh midfielder.

Even if Swansea rejects that offer, Liverpool is still not far off from obtaining him. A clause in Allen's contract states that if one of the "Big Five" Premier League teams (which Liverpool is a part of) offers £15 million for him, they must sell. 

Such a move could set up a young franchise player in Liverpool's midfield to help ease the pain of the pending departure of the slow-aging Steven Gerrard. 

Allen is just 22 years of age and is on the verge of entering his playing prime. If Liverpool wants to climb the ranks and become a force to win the EPL anytime soon, these are the types of players they need.

Dempsey sounds like the ideal fit as he brings more goal scoring and attacking play to a team that needs it, but you'd have to wonder how long he could be a vital part of the club. Is he really going to be around four or five years from now, when 'Pool should have a much better chance of winning? 

The chances are slim to none, while in Allen's case, it's almost certain that he'd be a long-term fix and would be at the top of his game at that point. Dempsey is 29 and would be in the final stages of his career when Allen is just blooming. 

That's not to say that Liverpool couldn't shock us all and land both players, but it's very unlikely that they have that sort of money, and they'll most likely be content with just one of these stars. 

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