Swansea manager Brendan Rogers hopes midfielder Joe Allen will stay at the Liberty Stadium regardless of external interest during the January transfer window, according to BBC Sport. The 21-year-old has proved himself a key player during the Swans’ Premier League debut season, and inevitably rumours relating to his future have arisen.
Speaking on speculation relating to the Welshman’s future, Rogers said: “Players understand that this club is a good fit for them. We’re a team that is riding high in confidence and a group that is growing. So for the likes of a Joe Allen, there is probably not too many better places he can be in European football to develop his game.
“He is a real talent. Joe has been a real figurehead of the team this season. His awareness and understanding where his space is, is right up there with the very best players at this level. His command of a game and how he has taken control of games at this level has been incredible. There’s no doubt looking into the future that certainly he is going to be a big talent. He is a really clever and intelligent lad who understands where he is in his career and at 21 years of age, he has maybe 14 years ahead of him at a real high level.”
Swans chairman Huw Jenkins, however, believes that in reality every player has his price, but hopes that Swansea’s stars appreciate the deal they have at the Liberty Stadium. Jenkins said: “We want to build our squad and keep our better players but we all know the reality of football. There are clubs out there with far more money than we’ve got as a club. The fact we’re in the Premier League, we have upgraded quite a few of the players’ contracts so they are up to the level of the majority of Premier League salaries.
“And the way we’re playing and the way they are developing, you would think they would be happy to stay here and keep their careers moving forward with us.”
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