Soccer:Swansea manager Michael Laudrup is set to hold talks with Joe Allen over the midfielder's future, but is focused on strengthening his squad ahead of the new Premier League season. Allen, 22, has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool, where he would be reunited with former Swans boss Brendan Rodgers .
It is understood Swansea have rejected an offer of €15.7 million, which included loaning Reds midfielder Jonjo Shelvey this season. However, there is believed to be a clause in Allen's contract that would leave the Welsh club obligated to accept a bid of €18.8 million.
Laudrup spoke to Allen today for the first time since taking over in June, although he insisted the pair did not discuss any potential move to Anfield. But the Dane expects to talk things through with the Wales international when he returns to training after his Team GB Olympic exploits on Wednesday.
Laudrup said: "Joe Allen showed up today at the training ground, he did not train but I had a small chat with him, but we did not touch the subject right now.
"I did not think it was the proper moment, but we will have to talk about that with the player to see what he wants so we can say something official, otherwise the rumours will go on until August 31st, which is not in anyone's interest.
"On Wednesday he will be back in training with the other two guys who have been at the Olympics and then we will have some talks so it does not go on until the last day of the transfer window."
While the saga rumbles on, Laudrup is looking to make further additions to his squad having already signed Michu, Jonathan de Guzman and Chico Flores.
A striker and a winger are thought to be high on his list of priorities, and the former Barcelona midfielder said: "I have two players in mind for two positions, I can't say more than that right now but at the moment that is my intention.
"If something happens to one of the regular starters like Joe Allen, if he leaves we would need to find a replacement but the best situation for us would be to have two players for each position."
Aside from the speculation over Allen, defender Ashley Williams has also been linked with Liverpool, while Scott Sinclair and Neil Taylor have been mentioned as targets for Manchester City and Manchester United respectively.
But Laudrup was quick to alleviate fears that a plethora of Swansea's best players could depart the Liberty before the end of August.
He said: "There is always rumour, one day it's Joe Allen, one day it is Ashley, the next it's Taylor or it's Leon (Britton) or (Danny) Graham. It's normal, you look at it as normal and it says we must be doing something good.
"But you need a competitive team to play in the Premier League so of course we will not sell all our best players because what is the point of being the best club in the Championship?"
