Reds to snap up Shelvey

Liverpool are set to sign Charlton's highly rated 18-year-old midfielder Jonjo Shelvey after the League One club gave them permission to hold talks.

Shelvey travelled to Merseyside on Tuesday and has already undergone a medical, with the Merseysiders set to pay an initial £1.7m fee.

The England youth international has made 48 appearances for the Addicks since making his debut aged just 16.

Shelvey has made 27 appearances this season as Charlton push for promotion.

A product of the academy at The Valley, he has been linked with several Premier League clubs since becoming the youngest ever first-team player to turn out for the south Londoners at the age of 16 years and 59 days.

The Romford-born player signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Charlton on his 17th birthday in 2009, with Addicks boss Phil Parkinson commenting: "He's an excellent prospect - I haven't seen a better 17-year-old in the country."

Charlton also revealed that the talks with Liverpool were also taking in a plan for a "strategic partnership" for the development of players from both clubs.

The Addicks, who are believed to have substantial debts, are fifth in the League One table and guaranteed a place in the end-of-season play-offs, with an automatic promotion place almost certainly out of reach.

The result of Shelvey's medical at Anfield will be revealed on Wednesday.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.