Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Kolo Toure, Joe Allen Exit Rumours

Jurgen Klopp's shakeup of Liverpool's squad could involve saying goodbye to centre-back Kolo Toure and midfielder Joe Allen. The pair have both been linked with exits from Anfield, with Toure reportedly drawing interest from AS Monaco, while Allen is said to have caught the attention of old club Swansea City.

Toure is expected to be "formally released" in the next 24 hours, a development that has Ligue 1 outfit Monaco keen, according to MailOnline's Simon Jones. He reports how "Liverpool have considered offering him a role as a coach but the Ivory Coast defender is keen to continue playing."

Jones has also stated how Klopp remains "keen to rejuvenate his backline ahead of his first full season in charge at Anfield," despite the arrival of Joel Matip on a free transfer from Schalke 04.

Michael Probst/Associated Press

Still, it's a surprise Klopp can't make room for Toure in some capacity next season. The 35-year-old may have seen the best days of his playing career, but Toure remains a savvy and agile defender.

When called into action, he's rarely let Liverpool down and is still capable of the type of stunning last-ditch tackles that defined his glory years with Premier League rivals Arsenal.

Given some of his performances toward the end of the 2015/16 season, it's small wonder Toure believes he can still play. Klopp may regret not securing the Ivory Coast man's services for another year.

Yet, the Anfield chief should gladly accept the opportunity to cash in on Allen a year ahead of schedule, especially since Swansea have made it clear they want their one-time playmaker back.

City chairman Huw Jenkins told the South Wales Evening Post (h/t Kristian Walsh of the Liverpool Echo):

"

I think it has been well-documented that Joe is going to look at his future when he is finished out at Euro 2016.

Naturally, we are interested in good players like Joe who may be available this summer given that he has a year left on his contract.

Obviously we will keep tabs on his situation and see what happens later in the summer.

"

Allen's departure would likely not be felt as keenly as Toure's since Liverpool are already well-stocked in midfield. Emre Can, Jordan Henderson and James Milner all provide energy and tenacity. Meanwhile, technical quality comes from Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino.

Alberto Saiz/Associated Press

Allen has no obvious place in this mix. He's also never lived up to the £15 million fee ex-manager Brendan Rodgers paid for him back in 2012.

Allen hasn't become the consistent supplier of assists or controller of possession he was supposed to be. Instead, he's played a cautious, somewhat negative, game whenever he's appeared for the Reds.

Klopp is moving Liverpool's style of play in a quicker, more progressive direction. It's a transition sure to demand midfielders who recycle the ball in an instant and make darting runs forward to support a jet-heeled front line.

For all his worthy calmness and safety-first passing, Allen just doesn't fit with what Klopp is creating. A move back to Swansea for a reasonable fee is the best scenario for both Liverpool and Allen.

Klopp may regret not retaining Toure's experience at the back, but he'd be engaging in smart business by cashing in on Allen.