Liverpool complete signing of Joe Gomez, Reds' fourth signing of summer

Liverpool have completed the signing of England Under-19 international defender Joe Gomez from Charlton for an undisclosed fee.

Gomez, who made 21 appearances for the Addicks last season in the Sky Bet Championship, has put pen to paper on a five-year contract with Brendan Rodgers' side.

Liverpool are thought to have beaten off competition from several Barclays Premier League rivals for the highly-rated center-back.

Gomez, Charlton's young player of the year last season, will join Liverpool on their pre-season tour of Thailand, Australia and the Far East in July.

He becomes the fourth new arrival at Liverpool this summer, following the acquisition of James Milner, Danny Ings and Adam Bogdan. Belgian striker Divock Origi will also link-up with the club after being immediately loaned back to Lille following an £11million move last summer.

The teenager is relishing the prospect of playing in the top flight, but insists he will never forget where he came from.

"I've been here since I was 10 years old and it's been a great experience," Gomez told Charlton's official website.

"The club have always looked after me and I will always be grateful.

"I'm excited for the new challenge at Liverpool and it's an opportunity that I've only been given thanks to the experience that Charlton have given me."

Addicks chief executive Katrien Meire said: "It is with a heavy heart that we let him go, but we wish him all the best.

"Joe is a very talented and humble young man and he has proven to be a shining light for our academy and a role model for all of the young players at our club.

"He is another fine example of what our fantastic academy is capable of."

Gomez's arrival could spell the end of Sebastian Coates' Liverpool career. The Uruguayan played a key role in helping Sunderland retain their Premier League status last season and is reportedly a transfer target for Black Cats boss Dick Advocaat.