JOE Allen has spent more than half his life at Swansea City.

But a couple of months short of his 21st birthday, the little man insists he is in no rush for a change.

Allen's promise has been apparent for some time, but fitness concerns — plus considerable competition for a place in Swansea's midfield — have limited his opportunities to show it at times in the past.

With no such issues this season, Allen has capitalised.

In one of his bolder calls since taking over as Swansea manager, Brendan Rodgers suggested Allen could prove himself to be the top midfielder in the Championship this year.

Rodgers is not the only big admirer — there are others outside the Liberty.

Do not be surprised if Roberto Martinez, for instance, attempts to lure Allen to Wigan Athletic at some stage in the future.

West Ham United are another club who have been touted as potential suitors, although Allen's representative suggested this week that there is not a lot of mileage in that particular link.

What he did concede, however, is that there have been calls about Allen from the Premier League.

"You do get to hear about these things and it is very flattering that there have been inquiries," Allen says.

"My football is going well at the moment and I guess they reflect that.

"I don't read what's in the papers, although I do get to hear about them.

"But it's as much news to me as it is to everyone else. It's flattering if you're playing well and you get mentioned here and there, but I guess there's not much to it."

Swansea will hope not, for they won't want to lose a player they have nurtured since the age of nine any time soon.

Allen was earmarked as a future first-teamer when he was still at school and, unlike some in the youth ranks, he has lived up to the billing.

The good news for Swansea is that he still has 18 months to run on his current contract.

Even better is his enthusiasm when talk turns to the possibility of signing a new long-term deal.

"I would definitely be interested," Allen adds.

"I have had the call from the club to let me know they want to extend my contract and that's very exciting.

"It's pleasing to know that the club want you to stay in their plans.

"Yes I have spent more than half my life here, but I am really enjoying things at the moment.

"Having come through the ranks, I look forward to sorting something out."

Allen has made great strides under Rodgers, establishing himself as a midfield playmaker who can also compete when required.

But the Wales starlet is still maturing, and the feeling is that the best place to do that is in SA1.

"I'm still trying to become a first-team regular in every game and to make sure I'm one of Swansea's key players," he says.

"Hopefully, over the next couple of years, that's something that I will achieve.

"My dream is to play in the Premier League — I am sure that is the same for any footballer — and this season has been a massive season for me so far.

"We are at the top end of the table trying to achieve that dream and I guess there's no better place for me to be right now."

Allen has been one of the main men for Swansea as they have established themselves as serious promotion contenders.

Tomorrow's clash with Crystal Palace should see him make appearance No. 28 of the season — matching the personal best tally set in 2008-9.

Considering that it is only mid-January, the stat tells much about Allen's development.

"I suppose it speaks for itself," he concedes. "In the first couple of games I was struggling a bit with injury, but since then it's been pretty much a full season for me.

"When you look at it, it's crazy to think that I have played in that many games already.

"It's fantastic for me to be in a position where I go into a matchday knowing I'm probably going to be in the 18-man squad at the very least.

"I have started more games than I could have expected or predicted at the start of the season. Hopefully I can build on that between now and May."

Injury permitting, his wish should be granted.

There have been plenty of positive days so far, but Allen enjoyed one of his best at Palace back in October.

Swansea cruised home 3-0 at Selhurst Park, with Allen pulling the strings and even getting on the scoresheet himself.

"It was a good day for everyone because it was one of our most convincing victories.

"And I think it was one of my better performances. I got a goal, and I don't get too many, so that rounded it off for me."

One in the return fixture this weekend, which would be a first at the Liberty for Allen, would be welcome.

But after defeat in Swansea's last league outing at Leicester, what really counts is that Rodgers's men secure three points.

"Palace will be hurting after we won down there," reckons Allen.

"But we had a good win in the cup last Saturday and hopefully we can take that momentum into this weekend."