Liverpool bid to keep THREE star players

LIVERPOOL have opened preliminary contract talks with Joe Allen as the futures of Kolo Toure and Glen Johnson look far less secure.

Liverpool have opened talks with Joe AllenSTUART ROBINSON

Liverpool have opened talks with Joe Allen

Allen has two years remaining on his existing deal and discussions among the Anfield hierarchy have taken place about extending his stay.

The Wales international missed the FA Cup stalemate with Blackburn on Sunday due to a hip injury, but is expected to fit to face former club Swansea, whom he left to join Liverpool in a £15m deal in 2012, next Monday.

Discussions are also taking place with Toure, who will be 34 later this month and is out of contract in the summer.

"We are still talking. My agent is talking to the club. We will see in a few days," said Toure. "The club have to think and I have to think as well.

"It is very important to know what you are facing: whether you are going to be part of the team or just a squad player."

Joe Allen Player Profile

The likelihood of Johnson, 30, remaining on Merseyside next season appears slim with the England defender admitting he has had contact with foreign clubs regarding a free transfer at the end of the campaign.

Liverpool have been unable to come to an agreement with Johnson on an extension and, despite manager Brendan Rodgers raising the prospect of further discussions, nothing is imminent.

"No talks," said Johnson. "At this point I have no idea [where I will be next season]. I haven't thought about it."

On the prospect of moving abroad, he added: "There are talks. It would be great for the kids to go abroad, but I am not thinking about yet as we have two months left here. I'll think about it after that. We will have to wait and see."

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