Brendan Rodgers confirms Joe Allen deal close to completion

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted that the capture of Swansea City midfielder Joe Allen is "imminent".

The 22-year-old, who has been constantly linked with a switch to Anfield following Rodgers's decision to leave Swansea for Merseyside, was a spectator for Liverpool's 3-0 win over FC Gomel in the Europa League qualifier last night.

"It is imminent," said Rodgers. "The fact he was [at Anfield] shows there has been some communication with Swansea and we expect to conclude it in the next 24 hours."

Reports have claimed that the Reds have met Allen's release clause of £15m.