West Ham transfer news: David Moyes lining up £15m bid for Stoke ace Joe Allen to boost midfield options
Potters boss Mark Hughes rejects enquiry for Premier League relegation rivals for his Welsh international midfielder
WEST HAM are reportedly willing to pay £15million to sign Wales star Joe Allen from Stoke City.
David Moyes is determined to strengthen his midfield during this month's transfer window.
Players with proven Premier League pedigree is his main priority, making Allen one of his main targets.
However, the claim that the Hammers have been knocked back by the Potters with their first enquiry for the 27-year-old.
And Stoke have also informed them that the former Liverpool and Swansea man is not for sale at any price.
Allen has played in every game but two for Stoke this season in the top flight.
During that time he has produced three goals and five assists.
Stoke boss Mark Hughes, who is under increasing pressure due to his side's poor first half to the campaign, addressed the speculation of Allen's future last week.
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Hughes said: "We can't afford to lose a player of Joe's quality.
"He is working exceptionally hard for us and we are really pleased with what he is producing for us at the moment.
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"We won't be encouraging any bids for any of our key players, especially not in January, that is for certain."
Stoke currently sit 16th in the table and are two points and places above West Ham.
Hughes will be determined to keep hold of the 40 capped Welsh international.
And he will be especially reluctant to allow him to depart for one of Stoke's relegation rivals.
The Potters kicked off the New Year with a home defeat to Newcastle yesterday to pile further pressure on Hughes.
He and his men will be hoping for better joy when they travel to Coventry on Saturday in the FA Cup Third Round.
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