Stoke City lining up contract offer for 32-year-old

Championship outfit Stoke City are preparing to offer captain Joe Allen fresh terms at the bet365 Stadium ahead of the expiration of his contract in the summer, as per a Twitter update from journalist John Percy.

The 32-year-old has been an integral asset for the Potters once again this term, recording 39 league appearances and proving to be a reliable force in the middle of the park for Michael O’Neill’s men during the 2021/22 campaign.

He may have only recorded one assist so far this season and failed to get himself on the scoresheet – but this isn’t representative of the Welsh international’s impact in Staffordshire.

There were doubts about his future at his current side though, with whispers that he wants a return to his home nation on the expiration of his deal at the end of this term, potentially putting former club Swansea City and arch-rivals Cardiff City on high alert for his services.

O’Neill’s comments on Stoke’s limitations in the transfer market this summer even suggested that finances would be tight, potentially a barrier in keeping the midfielder at the bet365 Stadium.

However, it has now been revealed that the second-tier side want the ex-Liverpool man to stay put and are lining up an offer in a bid to tie him down to fresh terms.

The Verdict:

Not only is Allen still an accomplished player in the second tier – but he is also a real leader on the pitch so tying him down to a new deal could be a real boost considering he’s an integral part of the Potters’ spine.

It’s currently unclear whether Phil Jagielka will also put pen to paper on fresh terms in Staffordshire – but having those two could help Stoke to elevate themselves into the promotion mix again next term.

Considering the Potters’ finances and the