Joe Gomez is edging ever closer to completing a move to Liverpool from Charlton.

The 18-year-old defender is expected on Merseyside soon to undergo a medical before putting pen to paper with Brendan Rodgers’ side.

It is reported elsewhere the Premier League outfit will pay the Addicks £3.5m up front after activating a release clause which enabled the England U19 player to move from The Valley once a bid for that amount had been lodged.

The only remaining obstacle to the deal being completed is over the potential add-ons which will be based on future Premier League and international appearances.

Once that has all been thrashed out, Gomez will join the Reds either in the coming days or early next week.

Charlton fans will now be hoping the defender returns to The Valley on loan, although Liverpool have previously preferred to lend their youngsters to Championship clubs in the north.

Jonjo Shelvey was shipped out to Blackpool shortly after completing the same switch from SE7 Gomez is about to make, while last season Jordan Ibe spent time with Derby County before being recalled by Rodgers and breaking into the Liverpool first team.

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