Stoke City opinion: Three replacements for Joe Allen

The Telegraph has reported that Stoke City star Joe Allen could be on his way out of the club after a productive spell with the Potters. The 29-year-old arrived in the summer of 2016 from Liverpool and has since made a decent impact.

The report states that West Ham and Watford are keen on a move for the former Liverpool man. Losing him will be a massive blow to the club, as he has been one of their creative pivots this season, making himself a menace both offensively and defensively.

This does complicate things for Stoke City and the Potters need to replace him effectively in the near future.

That being said, here are three potential replacements for Joe Allen :

Marcus Browne

The 21-year-old has been very impressive on loan at Oxford United, with the Sun reporting that Stoke City are very keen on a move for him. Reports further add that Browne’s parent club West Ham are interested in letting him go.

An attacking midfielder by trade, the 21-year-old has produced 13 goals this season in the League one and is easily Oxford’s best player by some margin. A move makes a lot of sense at the age of 21. Marcus Browne will be a long- term replacement.

The Englishman can play centrally or even as a defensive midfielder, as he has done so this season. It is what makes him the most cost-effective option for the Potters and someone who will allow them to splurge money on other areas.

Will Vaulks 

Currently helping Rotherham fight against relegation, Will Vaulks has been the club’s best player by some margin this season. So far, the 25-year-old has managed to produce 15 goals in all competitions, with 14 of those coming in the Championship.

If Rotherham does get relegated, which is a possibility, Stoke City should consider making a move for him. They’ve been linked in the past with a move, with the Daily Mail reporting it as recently as December of 2018.

A tough no-nonsense midfielder, the 25-year-old would be effectively the best replacement for Joe Allen as he is a like for like player. Not only that, his versatility and capability to play across the defensive line will also be very useful for Stoke City.

Pelly Ruddock-Mpanzu

Not a like for like replacement by any definition but what Mpanzu is a defensive minded midfielder, who is very reliable with the ball. The 25-year-old is someone that Nathan Jones knows very well from Luton Town.

This season, Mpanzu has done exactly the same, contributing to nine goals, playing an immense part in midfield. His ability both on and off the ball would be perfect for Stoke.

While he doesn’t contribute to as many goals, Mpanzu’s defensive energy would serve the club well.