Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers admits he was desperate not to lose Joe Allen to a rival club.

Rodgers has revealed why he raided his old club Swansea City for Allen so soon after leaving.

He said: "I was aware of the market for Joe. I've always said that the boy is a top player and he's proven that in the time he's been here.

"Joe's been a massive revelation and arguably our best player."