Liverpool Transfer Rumors: Reds Should Push for Quick Joe Allen Resolution

Brendan Rodgers has spent the entire offseason looking for ways to transform the Liverpool roster to better fit his vision for the future and midfielder Joe Allen has been one of his coveted targets. Now he needs to push for a final decision with the season set to begin.

The Reds have already had a bid of £12.5 million declined by Swansea City, Rodgers' former team, according to the Daily Mirror. The report also states a bid of £15 million could leave the Swans no choice but to accept the offer.

Even though the transfer window continues for the first couple weeks of the season, Rodgers should want his starting lineup set by opening day. The longer it takes for him to set his formation, the longer it will take for the progress to show.

And there's plenty of progress to be made during the upcoming campaign. The most common word fans will hear around Anfield this season will probably be patience as Rodgers tries to emulate the success he had with Swansea.

Getting a deal done to acquire Allen before the season starts would be a big step in the right direction. The 22-year-old Welshman had a lot of success under Rodgers with the Swans and would immediately become a big piece of Liverpool's midfield.

The signs of change have already been plentiful during the early stages of Rodgers' time in control with veterans like Dirk Kuyt, Maxi Rodriguez and Alberto Aquilani moving on.

While those players are headed toward the down side of their careers, Allen is a player on the rise. His combination of distribution skills and football instincts make him the perfect player to build a midfield around in the future.

More importantly, the asking price is reasonable. Allen would provide plenty of value somewhere in the range mentioned by the report and should only continue to gain more as he becomes more comfortable at the Premier League level.

If the Reds can't work out a deal and try to wait until a future window to acquire him, there's a strong chance the terms will change. That's why Rodgers should apply some pressure to quicken the pace of talks while it seems like movement is possible.

It's the type of move that might not cause huge waves throughout the Premiership, but as Rodgers starts getting everything in order the importance of it will become more evident. It might take a season or two, but it's clear he has a plan in mind.

Making a move for Allen right now would help speed up that pace.