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 need to remain within the EFL's financial rules, it would be no surprise if they offer him reduced terms, but it's unlikely that any side in his current side's division is going to offer him a bumper contract at 32.

It's also hard to work out whether the midfielder would be best served staying put or not. A potential return to Wales may be a wise possibility to pursue whilst he still has the ability to play in the second tier.

But some would argue he's already settled in his current location and that's a reason why he may be wise to remain where he is beyond the summer before possibly plying his trade in the Welsh top-tier later on in his career.