Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen could be set for a move to Stoke City with the two clubs in advanced talks over a £13 million deal.
In search of more regular game time, the 26-year-old was the subject of an offer from fellow Premier League outfit Stoke that met the Reds' valuation and they have been involved in progressive negotiations since.
Allen has entered the final year of his contract at Anfield, although Jürgen Klopp's side have repeatedly insisted they would not allow him to leave on the cheap.
Some reports suggested that Stoke saw an opening offer rejected, instead asking for around £14 million, before accepting the Staffordshire outfit's second bid although it was a little under the asking price.
The Wales international's stock has risen significantly inside the last six months and his stellar performances at Euro 2016 as his nation reached the semi-finals have only boosted his price tag.
He was even voted in the UEFA Team of the Tournament, as recognition for his contributions, and as such has been scouted by a number of clubs.
Reds midfielder on verge of Anfield exit
They include Europa League champions Sevilla and his former club Swansea City, who he moved to Merseyside from back in 2012 in a deal in the region of £15 million.
The Swans, whose interest has been publicly acknowledged by chairman Huw Jenkins, had an £8 million bid rejected for Allen last month.
But it is Mark Hughes' Stoke who have seized the initiative after having a bid for the diminutive midfielder accepted and they are the frontrunners to seal his signature.
He started just eight league games last season, but made 34 appearances across all competitions and scored three goals, and wants to seal his future this summer rather than see out the remainder of his contract and leave on a free in 12 months.
Swansea could yet be given the opportunity to match Stoke's bid, although Allen looks almost certain to end his career on Merseyside after 132 appearances over the last four seasons.
An agreement between Liverpool and Stoke could be found in the next 48 hours, after Potters chairman confirmed that they had "discussed a potential deal for the player."
Meanwhile Klopp's recruitment as Liverpool boss is still ongoing.
He is hopeful of signing Georginio Wijnaldum of Newcastle United, although no deal has yet been agreed, after bringing in defender Ragnar Klavan as the club's fifth arrival of the summer in a £4.2 million transfer on Wednesday.