Liverpool Transfer News: Stoke Joe Allen Bid Accepted, Jon Flanagan Rumours

Liverpool have accepted a £13 million offer from Stoke City for midfielder Joe Allen, per Andy Hunter of the Guardian.

The 26-year-old failed to secure a first-team place under former boss Brendan Rodgers and current manager Jurgen Klopp, meaning he could now swap Anfield for the Bet365 Stadium after Stoke met Liverpool's valuation.

Per Hunter, the Potters face competition for his signature from former club Swansea City, with the Wales international entering the final 12 months of his contract.

Ahead of the upcoming 2016-17 season, Allen must weigh up his options on the back of a successful UEFA Euro 2016 campaign, helping Wales to a historic semi-final berth.

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The midfielder—known for his ability to maintain possession and dictate the tempo through the centre of the field—was handed just eight league starts last term, per WhoScored.com.

Per Chris Bascombe of the Daily Telegraph, Klopp remains confident he can improve his squad options this summer, with Allen already facing competition for a starting spot against Emre Can, James Milner, Lucas Leiva and Jordan Henderson.

As reported by Hunter, ahead of Liverpool's pre-season tour of the United States, Klopp told reporters he was yet to decide the future of his midfield dynamo:

"

There is nothing about this and all the transfer rumours. I feel good [about Allen]. I like the guy and I really think he is a wonderful football player. I knew this before the European Championships, I saw it during the Euros and I know it now.

I have said all I can say about this. It is all about respecting contracts, negotiating or not – whatever – and making a transfer or not. But it is nothing to discuss in public. I’ve not seen him since the middle of May in Basel.

"

Harry Sherlock of Goal feels the deal represents a great move by Mark Hughes' side:

Elsewhere, Hunter also reported German coach Klopp is prepared to allow versatile full-back Jon Flanagan leave the club on a season-long loan deal after an approach from Burnley.

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Last season's Championship winners are willing to offer the youngster first-team football in the Premier League, with Klopp reportedly eager to keep the defender in his long-term plans.

A fan favourite on Merseyside, Flanagan missed much of the last 18 months with a knee problem, per Jack de Menezes of The Independent. According to WhoScored.com, the 23-year-old managed just eight appearances throughout the whole of the 2015-16 season.

Per Hunter, the defender—capable of playing on either flank—was withdrawn from Liverpool's pre-season game against Huddersfield Town on Wednesday and is considering his future at the club just four months after signing a new deal.