Jonjo Shelvey - heading to Anfield.

REDS TIE UP SHELVEY DEAL
Liverpool have sealed the signing of Charlton youngster Jonjo Shelvey for an initial fee of £1.7m.

The England Under-17 international has passed a medical and agreed personal terms and will complete his move to Anfield on May 10.

Reds managing director Christian Purslow told the club's official website, www.liverpoolfc.tv: "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 (training ground)."

The fee also contains a number of potential add-ons, relating to domestic and international appearances.

Shelvey made 48 appearances for Charlton since becoming their youngest ever player when he made his debut aged 16 years and 59 days in April 2008.

He is also their youngest goalscorer in both the league and FA Cup and established himself as an important part of the League One side's first team this season, scoring four goals in 27 appearances in all competitions.

Charlton chairman Richard Murray told www.cafc.co.uk: "It's with the greatest reluctance that we have accepted an offer for Jonjo from Liverpool.

"No club likes to lose such a talented prospect, but the overall package is one we couldn't refuse, and one which was very attractive to Jonjo.

"As a club, we have never stood in the way of any of our young players moving to 'bigger' clubs, and this also applies 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."

The two clubs also revealed that they are in talks over "a strategic partnership involving the development of players in both directions" following Shelvey's move to the Barclays Premier League.