Liverpool open talks with Allen over new contract

Joe Allen is enjoying his football at the moment. Credit: PA

Brendan Rodgers is keen to keep the nucleus of his young Liverpool side, and while contract negotiations with Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson have dragged on for several months, they have just opened talks with 24-year-old Joe Allen over a new deal.

Allen has seen his form take a turn for the better in recent performances and Liverpool have decided to reward him with a bumper contract.

"We're at the early stages at the moment but the signs (of signing a deal) are good," Allen told BBC Wales Sport.

"From my point of view I'm looking to commit my future here and hopefully I can be here for years to come.

"For me it's just a case of playing regularly and putting in consistent performances.

"I've always been confident that I'll be able to be successful here."