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Football

14th Mar 2016

REPORTS: Liverpool to begin talks with Joe Allen’s replacement

Kevin McGillicuddy

Another link to the Brendan Rodgers era is about to be severed this summer at Anfield.

The former Liverpool boss once described Joe Allen as the ‘Welsh Xavi’ and it was a nickname that the former Swansea man could never get away from.

Most Liverpool fans thought he resembled a crab more than the Spanish pass-master with his sideways and backwards passing.

The Wales international looks to be surplus to requirements at Anfield this summer and Jurgen Klopp has already identified his replacement.

According to the Daily Mail, the club are to open talks this week with Udinese’s Piotr Zielinski.

On-loan at Empoli, the 21 year old has been turning heads, including that of the Liverpool manager.

EMPOLI, ITALY - JANUARY 23: Piotr Zielinski of Empoli FC celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Empoli FC and AC Milan at Stadio Carlo Castellani on January 23, 2016 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

The Poland international is likely to cost around £11million, and his arrival is likely to hasten the departure of Allen, who still has just over 12 months of his current contract to run at Anfield.