Michael Laudrup has told Liverpool that they will have to dig deep to prise Joe Allen away from Swansea.

Michael Laudrup has told Liverpool that they will have to dig deep to prise Joe Allen away from Swansea.

GettyImagesJoe Allen's future has been in question during his time with Great Britain at the Olympics

Swansea appear resigned to losing Allen, with Reds boss Brendan Rodgers making clear his desire to sign a player he nurtured during his time with the Welsh club. But the Swans do not have to sell and with that in mind they will look to eke out every last pound from Liverpool.

It had appeared that £15 million would be enough to secure Allen, but Laudrup has suggested that figure could be on the low side.

"Joe is worth a lot of money," Laudrup said.

"Their manager knows if he wants to change the way Liverpool play he needs a midfielder like Joe who is young and can play at the highest level.

Swansea City have confirmed that Liverpool have expressed an interest in signing midfielder Joe Allen

Reds interest in Allen confirmed

Swansea City have confirmed that Liverpool have expressed an interest in signing midfielder Joe Allen, despite an agreement with the Welsh side that Brendan Rodgers cannot approach his former players within 12 months.

PA PhotosJoe Allen will represent Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics

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Allen, 22, has been strongly linked with a locomote to City as previous Swans pol Rodgers looks to reinforce his midfield options upward of his launching mollify in guardianship at Anfield.

Rodgers had united, tho', that as construct of his transfer he would not piss an approximate for any of his ex-players unless a contestant lodge makes a bid for their services, but it has been advisable on Weekday a issue subdivision in Gracie's sicken could pave the way for an issue.