Liverpool have confirmed the signing of highly-rated Charlton midfielder Jonjo Shelvey for an initial fee of £1.7million.

Clubs also agree player partnership deal

Reluctant seller

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of highly-rated Charlton midfielder Jonjo Shelvey. The Reds are believed to have beaten off a host of clubs to land the talented 18-year-old with Shelvey making the switch to Anfield on 10th May. 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. The two clubs also revealed they are in talks about forming a partnership about player development. Liverpool's Managing Director Christian Purslow told the club's"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 were reluctant to lose Shelvey, but conceded the offer was 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."