Brendan Rodgers hints at approach for Swansea City's Joe Allen

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has expressed his admiration for Swansea City midfielder Joe Allen amid reported interest in the playmaker.

The Merseyside outfit have been linked with a move for the 22-year-old, with reports suggesting that the Swans will only accept a bid in the region of £16m.

"I have a great relationship with Swansea, but if there is a market for any of the players I would like to be in that market," ESPN quotes Rodgers as saying.

"[Allen] is a very talented player, which everyone knows, but there is nothing more at the moment. When players come to a club such as Liverpool, it's never straightforward.

"As a manager you want them in sooner rather than later, but the main thing is to get them in before the beginning of the season. If we do that, our job will be done."

Meanwhile, the Northern Irishman has denied that he is considering sending striker Andy Carroll out on a loan deal.