New Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has suggested that based on Liverpool's activity in the transfer market in recent years, midfielder Joe Allen should cost the Reds as much as £20million.
Liverpool's interest in Allen has already been confirmed by former Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers, and the 22-year-old will be allowed to leave the Liberty Stadium and move to Anfield providing his £15million buy-out clause is met.
Liverpool are believed to have offered £12.5m for Allen, with the Swans possibly also being offered the chance to take a player on loan for the next twelve months, but they are under no obligation to accept an offer from the Merseysiders unless they receive a £15m bid.
It is expected that a fee will eventually be agreed, but based on the amounts Liverpool have spent on the likes of Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing, and Jordan Henderson over the past eighteen months, Laudrup believes £15m for Allen would represent a bargain.
"He is worth a lot of money because he's a good player," said the Dane.
"The manager knows him and knows if he wants to change the way Liverpool play he needs a player in the midfield like Joe Allen.
"But he also knows he's very, very expensive. We saw they bought a couple of midfielders in the last few years for a lot of money but, with all due respect, Joe is on a level above.
"In my opinion, if one is worth £17m then Joe is worth more, perhaps over £20m. I'm talking as a football man, not as a chairman, but if the chairman asks my advice then I will tell him the same."
Laudrup has confirmed he will hold talks with Allen later this week to find out if the Wales international wants to be reunited with Rodgers (see Related Articles).