Mark Hughes has a tough task at St Mary’s this season as he looks to keep Southampton in the top flight for another season. Currently, in the 18th place, two points off safety, the Saints have a decent chance to move to safety come the end of the season and the manager seems to have an eye on improving his squad for the upcoming campaign.
Though a lot will depend on their finish in the league table, the Saints are interested in a number of exciting stars and one name now doing the rounds is Welsh midfielder, Joe Allen.
Allen Turns A Wanted Man
Stoke City, who are currently three points off safety, in the 19th spot, have a rough ride until the end of the season and may struggle to stay in the top flight. If they go down, they might lose a number of their first team stars and Allen is one such star, who is already wanted by a few clubs in the top flight.
Southampton and West Ham United are credited with an interest (according to the Mirror, cited by HITC) in the player but both teams will have to avoid the drop to have a shot at signing Allen. But is the right man for the Southampton and Hughes?
Allen And His History
A product of the academy at Swansea City, the 40-cap Welsh international is one of the most established midfielders in the league at the moment. With 16 goals and 16 assists in 192 Premier League appearances, Allen is an experienced midfielder, most of the smaller teams in the league would love to have.
He moved to Stoke City from Liverpool a couple of seasons ago and has hardly ever missed a game for the Potters, picking up eight goals in 65 appearances till date. He has not been at his best this season but has two goals and six league assists in 29 starts.
A technically gifted player with a keen eye for a defence breaking pass, Allen is a central midfielder, who can not only create chances in the final third but can also soak up the pressure and sit deep when needed. He is a skilful player, who can ghost past opponents easily but is more adept at dictating play in a deeper role.
He is a hard man to mark in the middle of the field and is devastating when afforded any space or time on the ball and at just 28, he is still in his prime as a footballer and will be a huge coup for the Saints.
Right Man For The Saints?
The Saints have decent options for their midfield with the likes of Oriol Romeu and Mario Lemina doing well enough this season. Neither of them have been consistent but have formed a decent partnership at the heart of the midfield for the club.
However, Pierre Emile Højbjerg is the only other option in that role and Allen is a slight upgrade on those names. The Welsh international’s experience and his style of play add a different dimension to the Southampton side and is a player they should definitely sign.
But as already mentioned, it will depend on their top-flight status. So do you think Southampton can avoid the drop and sign the Stoke City star in the summer?