Manchester United considering swoop for Liverpool's Joe Allen?

Manchester United are lining up a £20m bid to take Joe Allen from rivals Liverpool, according to reports.

While Louis van Gaal has publicly stated that he will make no further signings this summer, United's central midfield has been a cause for concern for the Dutchman and the problem has only been exacerbated by injuries to Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick.

The Daily Star reports that van Gaal watched Allen during Liverpool's 3-1 defeat to Manchester City on Monday and is prepared to offer the Reds up to £20m to bring the Welshman down the M62.

The last time a Liverpool player moved directly from Anfield to Old Trafford was 76 years ago, when Allenby Chilton made the controversial switch.