Joe Allen: Liverpool midfielder uncertain over Anfield future as contract talks go quiet

Joe Allen has admitted uncertainty over his Liverpool status having seemingly held no productive talks over an extension to his contract. The Wales international was influential for Jurgen Klopp's side during their Capital One Cup semi-final first-leg victory over Stoke on 5 January but such an appearance was only his ninth start of the season in all competitions.

Ex-Swansea midfielder Allen, who missed much of August 2015 after hurting his hamstring during a pre-season win at Swindon, was the second signing made by former manager Brendan Rodgers following the latter's appointment on Merseyside back in 2012. His current deal is due to expire in June 2017 and while previous rumours suggested he could be close to extending his stay, the player has revealed the situation remains unclear.

"That is something which has gone very quiet so I am not too sure really," he was quoted as saying by the Press Association. "I have made only one league start this season and I want to play more, I think that is obvious for any player in that situation. From my point of view it is about knuckling down, doing my job and giving my best, which I always do."

Liverpool are expected to be firmly active during the January transfer window amid a desperate injury crisis that has steadily depleted Jurgen Klopp's ranks in recent weeks. Jordan Henderson, Daniel Sturridge, Martin Skrtel, Mamadou Sakho, Jordan Rossiter and Divock Origi all missed the trip to Stoke, while Philippe Coutinho and Dejan Lovren were both substituted before half-time due to yet more hamstring trouble.

Lovren's injury leaves Kolo Toure as the only fit senior centre-back available as Lucas Leiva was forced to drop back into defence for 56 minutes at the Britannia Stadium.

The club have already made one addition this week, with Marko Grujic becoming the first signing of Klopp's tenure after completing a £5.1m ($7.4m) deal on 6 January. The Serbia U21 international will immediately return to Red Star Belgrade on loan for the remainder of the campaign.

Despite their ongoing injury troubles, Liverpool will have no time to rest as they travel to St James Park on 8 January for an FA Cup third-round tie against Exeter City. Sheyi Ojo, who has now been recalled early from his season-long loan spell with Wolves, could feature for the visitors if he can be registered in time.

Ryan Kent has also returned to Anfield following his stint with League One promotion contenders Coventry, while the Liverpool Echo suggests Tiago Llori has been summoned back from Aston Villa as Klopp seeks to bolster his defensive options during a relentless fixture list.