Swansea determined to retain Joe Allen amid speculation linking midfielder with Liverpool switch

New Swansea boss
Michael Laudrup is determined to keep hold of midfielder Joe Allen in the face
of Liverpool’s rumoured interest and will not welcome approaches for his top
players.

Former Swans manager Brendan Rodgers had said that he would not try to sign any of his former players, but the Liverpool boss has nonetheless been linked with the Welsh international.

Laudrup however, moved to quell any speculation, making it clear that the Allen was a crucial part of the squad and the club will strive to hold on to him.

He also made clear that the speculation was just rumour and that he had not heard anything from Liverpool.

"I want Joe to stay here because he is very important for the team. As far as I know, we have heard nothing from Liverpool," said the new Swans boss.

"If it is more than just rumours then I'm sure the chairman will talk to me about it."

Allen excelled last season as an integral part of an exciting Swansea team and finished the campaign with first class passing statistics.

Laudrup accepts that such good form is always going to attract attention, especially when the player was little known before.

"It is normal to have interest when people are doing well," he explained.

"Swansea did well in their first season in the Premier League and some of the players were not well known at the highest level before.

"Of course we want to keep our most important players and I would not welcome any interest in our best players. But it is part of the game."