Watford explore summer moves for Liverpool pair Joe Allen and Jordon Ibe

Midfielder Allen enters final year of contract this summer
Ibe suffering a loss of confidence, claims Gareth Southgate

Posted Wednesday, March 30, 2016 by theguardian.com

Watford are considering a summer move for the Liverpool pair Joe Allen and Jordon Ibe as they seek to capitalise on the players’ frustrations at Anfield.

Allen will enter the final 12 months of his Liverpool contract this summer but, despite initial discussions over an extension towards the end of last season, there have been no talks over a new deal since Jürgen Klopp replaced Brendan Rodgers as the manager in October.

The former Swansea City midfielder has impressed when given the opportunity by Klopp but has started only 10 of the manager’s 38 games and has admitted he is fighting for his future at Anfield.

Ibe has also endured a difficult season at Liverpool and the England under-21 manager, Gareth Southgate, claimed that the winger had suffered a loss of confidence following his dismissal against Switzerland on Sunday.

The 20-year-old has been restricted to a bit-part role under Klopp and, with the German coach looking to the likes of Mario Götze to enhance Liverpool’s attack next season, Watford want to test both Ibe’s and Allen’s resolve to remain at Anfield.