Brendan Rodgers hopes to complete the signing of Joe Allen in the next 24 hours after the midfielder attended Anfield on Thursday.
Midfielder a guest at Liverpool's game against Gomel
Brendan Rodgers has revealed that he hopes to complete the signing of Joe Allen in the next 24 hours after the midfielder attended Thursday's Europa League game against Gomel.
Allen has been tipped to follow Rodgers from Swansea City to Anfield for much of the summer but until now he has been focused on playing for Team GB at the Olympics.
Michael Laudrup has also made it clear that there will be no cheap deal for the Wales international, but it emerged earlier this week that Liverpool could be ready to pay the £15million fee required to trigger the release clause in his contract.
A deal now looks to be imminent after Allen was a guest in the directors' box at Anfield on Thursday as the Reds beat Gomel 3-0.
Rodgers confirmed after the match that Liverpool had been given permission to speak to the 22-year-old and he admitted the transfer could be finalised on Friday.
"I hope to conclude the deal in the next 24 hours," said Rodgers. "It is imminent."
"The fact he was here shows there has been some communication with Swansea."
It will be another significant step towards Rodgers building the type of team he wants at Anfield.
His first signing, Fabio Borini, got off to the best possible start by marking his home debut with a first-half goal to set Liverpool on their way to an easy victory that sealed their place in today's final qualifying round draw.
"It is important for any striker to score because they are judged on their goals," said Rodgers.
"But I brought him here because I know he can score. He is only 21 and has a lot of improvement left in him.
"But with his work-rate and his ability on the ball I think he will fit in very well to our team."
Skipper Steven Gerrard grabbed a second, with Luis Suarez again the architect.
The Uruguayan turned in a superb display, showing why Rodgers was so delighted the South American signed a long-term contract extension earlier this week.
"Luis is an incredible player," said the Liverpool boss. "He has come back to us and looked great in training.
"He is so creative in the box but he also presses very well when he doesn't have the ball.
"He is the type of player I love. He is in love with football. He has such passion for the game."
