Joe Allen signs new four-year deal at Stoke

Stoke midfielder Joe Allen has signed a new four-year deal with the club.

The 28-year-old Wales international had three years to run on his previous deal, but has pledged to help Stoke bounce straight back to the Premier League following relegation.

“As players we have to shoulder responsibility for what happened last season,” Allen told the club’s official website.

“Sometimes in football when things go wrong players try to wash their hands of it, but I’m hoping a few more of the lads will have the same target of trying to set the record straight and helping the club bounce straight back.”

Allen added: “I spoke to (chief executive) Tony Scholes once the season had ended and he made it very clear the club weren’t interested in selling me and that they wanted me to stay on.

“That stance from the club, coupled with how settled I am here, how happy I am and how much I’ve enjoyed it, made it pretty straightforward for me.”

Allen has scored eight goals in 72 appearances during his two seasons at Stoke since signing from Liverpool for £13million in July 2016.

The Potters signed Nigeria international Oghenekaro Etebo from Portuguese side Feirense and striker Benik Afobe from Wolves last week.