Liverpool are poised to sign Charlton midfield ace Jonjo Shelvey for an initial £1.7m fee.

The highly-rated 18-year-old has been in sensational form since signing a two-and-a-half year deal at Charlton at the age of 17 and has previously been linked with several Premiership clubs.

However it is understood Liverpool have been given permission to discuss terms with the Romford-born youngster and have agreed a deal with Charlton for his services.

Shelvey, an England youth player, made 27 appearances for Charlton in their push for promotion back to the Championship and has made 48 overall since bursting through to the first team from the Addicks Academy.

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.

Shelvey is to have a medical at Anfield on Wednesday.

Jon Osterland