Stoke City have announced the signing of Joe Allen from Liverpool for a fee which could rise to £13-million.

The 26-year-old, who shone for Wales as they reached the semi-final of the European Championships has penned a five-year deal at the bet365 Stadium, reports the Stoke City website.

The Welsh midfielder becomes the Potters’ second signing following by the capture of Egyptian starlet Ramadan Sobhi on Monday.

Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes insists that the Potters were determined to secure their services of the Welsh international after Mark Huges admitted to admiring the midfielder for some time.

‘Joe is a player that Mark has admired for a considerable amount of time,’ Scholes said.

‘Therefore when we became aware of the possibility of bringing him to the Club it was something that we were determined to do.

‘We have had to act swiftly to conclude the deal but we are delighted that we have managed to get it over the line,’ he added.

The former Liverpool midfielder expressed his excitement of signing for Stoke and he is relishing the chance of starting his future at the bet365 Stadium.

‘It’s been a whirlwind 48 hours for me but I am delighted to have finally been able to put pen to paper,’ Allen said.

‘I was really excited as soon as I heard of the Club’s interest and it wasn’t a difficult decision for me to make.

‘I am incredibly excited about my future here at Stoke City.’

Allen will wear the number four jersey at the bet365 Stadium and will fly out to link up with his new teammates in Orlando on Tuesday.