Stoke City seal Joe Allen deal

Stoke City have announced the signing of Wales international midfielder Joe Allen from Liverpool for a fee which could rise to £13 million.

The 26-year-old has penned a five-year deal at the bet365 Stadium.

The midfielder becomes the Club’s second signing of pre-season, following hot-on-the-heels of the capture of Egyptian Ramadan Sobhi earlier today.

Announcing the news, Chief Executive Tony Scholes said: “Joe is a player that Mark has admired for a considerable amount of time.

“Therefore when we became aware of the possibility of bringing him to the Club it was something that we were determined to do.

“We have had to act swiftly to conclude the deal but we are delighted that we have managed to get it over the line.”

Allen said:

“It’s been a whirlwind 48 hours for me but I am delighted to have finally been able to put pen to paper.

“I was really excited as soon as I heard of the Club’s interest and it wasn’t a difficult decision for me to make."

He added: “I am incredibly excited about my future here at Stoke City.”

Allen will wear the number four jersey at the bet365 Stadium and will fly out to link up with his new teammates in Orlando on Tuesday.