Stoke City dismiss Joe Allen exit talk

Stoke City chairman Peter Coates has insisted that the club will turn down any offers for midfielder Joe Allen in the New Year.

The Wales international has been key to the Potters' revival following a slow start to the campaign.

Allen, 26, joined the Potters from Liverpool in the summer after he produced a series of impressive displays for his nation at the European championships.

Since then, he has netted four goals and two assists in the Premier League, and this has captured the attention of clubs in the top half of the table.

In an interview with Stoke Sentinel, Coates revealed his side are unlikely to cash in on Joe Allen this winter as he remains a key player for their progress through the season.

"We are not going to be selling anybody in January. I'm delighted for him (Allen). I don't worry about things like that. We cross that bridge if it comes along," he told the source.

"He's been a great success, as everybody has seen. He's done really well for Wales and just as well for us."

Stoke City bought the midfielder for £13m in the summer, and this seems to be a bargain the way he has performed at the Bet365 Stadium this term.