Reds closing in on Allen - Midfielder a guest at Liverpool's game against Gomel

Joe Allen: Watched Liverpool's victory over Gomel at Anfield

Brendan Rodgers has revealed that he hopes to complete the signing of Joe Allen in the next 24 hours after the midfielder attended Thursday's Europa League game against Gomel.

Allen has been tipped to follow Rodgers from Swansea City to Anfield for much of the summer but until now he has been focused on playing for Team GB at the Olympics.

Michael Laudrup has also made it clear that there will be no cheap deal for the Wales international, but it emerged earlier this week that Liverpool could be ready to pay the £15million fee required to trigger the release clause in his contract.

A deal now looks to be imminent after Allen was a guest in the directors' box at Anfield on Thursday as the Reds beat Gomel 3-0.

Rodgers confirmed after the match that Liverpool had been given permission to speak to the 22-year-old and he admitted the transfer could be finalised on Friday.

"I hope to conclude the deal in the next 24 hours," said Rodgers. "It is imminent."