Joe Allen is set to undergo a medical at Swansea City on Friday ahead of a stunning return to his boyhood club.
WalesOnline exclusively revealed in May the Swans were eager to bring Allen back to the club, although there was a requirement for funds to be raised before a deal could be sanctioned. They were hopeful of selling Liam Walsh and/or Jay Fulton along with other fringe players, although Walsh ruptured his Achilles in the 7-0 pre-season win over Haverfordwest County last week, meaning he is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
But the impending sale of Flynn Downes to West Ham United means Swansea are now in a position to re-sign midfielder Allen - who left south Wales to join Liverpool 10 years ago.
Speaking about Allen after his side's clash with Queens Park Rangers on the final day of last season, head coach Russell Martin commented: “He loves this club, I love him as a player. I will say it. I would love to [sign him]. We’ll have to wait and see."
The head coach - who was a pivotal factor in Allen's decision to return to the Swansea.com Stadium - now appears destined to land one of his prime targets having already brought in Harry Darling, Matty Sorinola and Nathan Wood this summer.
It's understood Allen will travel to Swansea on Thursday evening with a view to completing the formalities and paperwork ahead of a return to the club he joined as a schoolboy. It comes after the 32-year-old rejected a new contract at Stoke City. He could be in contention to feature in Tuesday's pre-season clash with Plymouth Argyle at Home Park.
Allen was the subject of fierce transfer interest during the course of the summer, with no fewer than 11 Championship clubs exploring the option of signing the free agent. Bristol City are among the second tier sides who showed an interest in Allen, although they were unable to put a suitable package together.
Spanish outfit RCD Mallorca are understood to have put an offer on the table for Allen, although he is now expected to sign a two-year deal at Swansea ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Downes is posed to complete a permanent switch to West Ham United in the next 24 hours in a move that could be worth around £12m.
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