Stoke City reject Swansea City approach for midfielder Joe Allen

Stoke City chief executive Tony Scholes has confirmed that Premier League rivals Swansea City are interested in re-signing midfielder Joe Allen.

The Wales international impressed in his maiden campaign at the bet365 Stadium, playing a direct part in eight goals upon joining from Liverpool in a £13m deal.

Swansea, who failed in their attempt to land Allen from the Reds a little over 12 months ago, have now made an enquiry to Stoke over the 27-year-old's availability.

"Swansea did enquire - I would rather it didn't get reported - but we told them quite firmly we are not interested in any kind of sale," Sky Sports News quotes Scholes as saying.

"They made an inquiry, they're a decent club, we told them we aren't interested and that should be the end of the matter. Joe had a good season and we're hoping he will have an even better season this time."

Allen, capped 36 times at international level, spent 12 years with the Swans before departing for Liverpool in 2012.