Swans on red alert as Rodgers admits Allen interest

Swansea midfielder Joe Allen has been named as a transfer target by Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.

Rodgers, who made the switch from the Liberty Stadium to Anfield to replace Kenny Dalglish this summer, confirmed his interest in the Welsh international after admitting he is also interested in Fulham’s Clint Dempsey.

Allen signed a four-year deal with Swansea last year but Rodgers is keen to bring him to England’s north-west.

“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,’’ Rodgers said.

“They respect that. He 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. There are always other barriers and difficulties. At this moment, there are ongoing negotiations on a few targets.”

Rodgers has already signed former Swansea striker Fabio Borini from Roma and is keen to wrap up some more early business. “We hope we’re close to some deals. I need to evaluate the players we have and assess the squad and bring some in to bring freshness to the group,’’ he said.

“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.”

Thorgan Hazard’s move to Chelsea, meanwhile, could be completed today, according to Lens sporting director Antoine Sibierski.

Hazard is expected to follow in the footsteps of his more celebrated elder brother Eden by joining the Blues this summer and his Ligue 1 employers appear to accept a move is inevitable.

Sibierski said last night: “It should be official tomorrow. (When I arrived) there was no intention of letting him go and I met him very quickly after my arrival to show my confidence in him.

“He still had one year left and it was proposed he extended it but he told me eye to eye that did not interest him and he wanted to leave Lens.

“I realised 48 hours later why, when I learned Chelsea wanted him. I understand.”

Lens coach Jean-Luis Garcia also accepted there was no chance of keeping Hazard.

He added: “He is a boy of 19, his elder brother signs for Chelsea and he is urged to do so by the same club, who won the Champions League.

“Congratulations to Thorgan. Unfortunately we cannot go against such an opportunity. Good luck to him.”

Elsewhere Javier Mascherano is on the verge of extending his contract with Barcelona until 2016.

The former Liverpool man’s current deal runs until 2014 but he is keen to extend his stay in the Catalan capital.

He said: “(The new deal) is on the right track and I hope it will be closed shortly. I am happy, I feel valued and I want to continue for many years.’’

Southampton confirmed the signing of highly-rated defender Nathaniel Clyne from Crystal Palace.

* Sean O’Driscoll, a former Ireland international, was night appointed as Nottingham Forest’s new manager.

Former Forest star Roy Keane had been linked with the job but the Championship club last night confirmed O’Driscoll has been appointed as Steve Cotterill’s successor