Liverpool close on another English wonderkid

Liverpool are reportedly on the verge of signing English wonderkid Jonjo Shelvey.

The 18-year-old playmaker has been watched by all the big clubs in England, but Liverpool appear to have won the race to sign the youngster.

A regular at Charlton Athletic after making his debut at the end of the 2008 season, Shelvey has built on his reputation with solid performances for the Addicks at the Valley.

A £3.5 million summer move to Chelsea was muted back in August, but Shelvey turned down the switch to Stamford Bridge in an effort to develop himself further at the League One outfit.

Arsenal were also thought to be interested in making a move, but the Sunday Mirror reports that Rafael Benitez has beaten the others to the punch as the former England U16 and U17 prodigy prepares for an end-of-season medical at Anfield.

Liverpool are yet to make a comment, but various media outlets are now suggesting that a deal has been done between the Merseyside club and Phil Parkinson's men.

If these reports are true, the transfer would be a second coup in three months for the Melwood Academy following the arrival of QPR sensation Raheem Sterling at the end of February.

Benitez will have to part with between £2 and £3 million for teenage Shelvey, who has made over 40 league appearances for Charlton and is expected to feature in their play-off bid this May.

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