Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is excited about their deal for Swansea City midfielder Joe Allen. The midfielder moved from Swansea in a £15million deal that will see his wages treble to £45,000 a week.

And new boss Rodgers insisted: "This boy, when you see him play you'd think he was Spanish, a real European player. I would have paid many more millions for this kid.

"He's unique in that he is a British player who just does not give the ball away. You will see the difference he can make.

"He's incredible on the ball, his body work is very intelligent, for a 22-year-old it's frightening.

"Joe's game understanding is very, very good and he is in love with the football, he loves it, he wants it all the time.

"He has so much courage to get on the ball and play and I think he will fit in really, really well with all the other players."