Stoke City seal £13m signing of Wales and Liverpool midfielder

Stoke City have announced the signing of Wales international Joe Allen.

The Premier League side, who visit newly promoted Middlesbrough on the opening day of the 2016/17 English top-flight campaign on August 13, have captured the Liverpool midfielder on a five-year deal following his £13m move to the Bet365 Stadium.

The 26-year-old, who has 31 international caps for his country and starred for Wales as Chris Coleman’s side reached the semi-finals of this summer’s European Championships in France, scored three goals and provided three assists in 37 appearances in all competitions for the Reds last season.

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Allen becomes Potters boss Mark Hughes second summer signing, and second addition of the day, following Egypt international winger Ramadan Sobhi’s switch to English football from Al Ahly.

The Welshman arrived at Anfield from fellow Premier League rivals Swansea City back in August 2012 after former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers splashed out £15m on the central midfielder.

However he found his first-team chances hard to come by under new manager Jurgen Klopp last term and leaves Merseyside after a four-year spell.