Liverpool have signed highly-rated Charlton midfielder Jonjo Shelvey.
The Anfield outfit are believed to have beaten off a host of clubs to land the talented 18-year-old.
Shelvey will become Liverpool’s first signing of the summer after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.
Liverpool will pay an initial £1.7million to Charlton with further potential payments depending on domestic and international appearances.
Liverpool’s Managing Director Christian Purslow told the club’s official website: “Jonjo is an exciting young England international. His signing is part of our long-term strategic recruitment plan and we all look forward to welcoming him to Melwood.”
Charlton chairman Richard Murray admitted the club didn’t want to lose the player, but acknowledged that the offer from Liverpool had been too good to turn down.
“It is with the greatest reluctance that we have accepted an offer for Jonjo from Liverpool,” said Murray
“No club likes to lose such a talented prospect, but the overall package is one we couldn’t refuse, and one which was very attarctive to Jonjo.
“Liverpool are going to develop him over the next few years to be a top player, and I can’t think of a better place for him to go to.”
