Jonjo Shelvey could be on his way to Liverpool in the summer after interest in the Charlton youngster from Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs sparked a bidding war.

The Anfield side look to be leading the chase for Shelvey - who, at 18, is one of England's top-rated young players.

Believed to be valued at around £3 million already, Shelvey has made more than 40 appearances for the Addicks since his debut just two months after his 16th birthday.

As a versatile and talented English youngster, the teenager has attracted the interest of London's top three Premier League clubs.

However, it seems the Merseysiders are leading the race for his signature after impressing him with their set-up and plans to fast-track him into the first-team squad.

Shelvey is capable of playing in a variety of positions - including as a support striker, a winger or an attacking midfielder - and this versatility is thought to have piqued the interest of Reds boss Rafael Benitez.

The Spanish manager is keen to add to a growing youth presence in his squad, which currently includes Spain's Daniel Pacheco, Argentina's Gerardo Bruna, and Sweden's Alexander Kacaniklic.

However, Benitez wants to increase the proportion of home-grown talent by combining his foreign starlets with some English players - with Shelvey fitting the bill.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.