Stoke City midfielder Joe Allen is a transfer target for Premier League clubs West Ham and Watford in the summer, according to a report by The Telegraph.

The report states that the Championship club are expecting a number of departures in the summer, with manager Nathan Jones looking to strengthen his squad ahead of next season's promotion challenge.

Allen has been an important player for Stoke this season and is an ever-present in the Championship, scoring six goals and delivering three assists for the Potters.

The 29-year-old joined Stoke from Premier League rivals Liverpool for £13 million back in 2016 and has been an important player for the club over the past few seasons.

The Wales international committed his future to the Championship club after their relegation from the top flight, signing a new four-year deal last summer.

It remains to be seen whether the midfielder will be tempted by a move back to the Premier League, with West Ham and Watford both reportedly interested in his services.

The Verdict:

Allen has been an important player for Stoke City since joining from Liverpool three years ago.

At this stage of his career, he could be tempted by a move back to the Premier League, but it is difficult to tell whether he would be good enough to force his way into the first-team at either West Ham or Watford.

Allen may want to stay and try to help Stoke return to the top flight next season, with plenty of changes to the squad expected in the summer.