Liverpool are closing in on Swansea City midfielder Joe Allen. The Sun says they're triggering a £15million release clause in his contract.

Swansea's Allen, 23, has an agreement that allows him to go for that figure if Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United or Manchester City move in.

Yet if anyone else shows an interest - and Spurs are now believed to be in the hunt as well - then it becomes an open market and a bidder's war.

The Reds are believed to have already made contact with Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins, who wants the full figure rather than a lower payment of around £10m plus players on loan.