Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has completed the signing of young Charlton defender Joe Gomez.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Bournemouth were all chasing the England Under-17 international while the Addicks were keen to keep him at the Valley, but he has turned them all down in order to sign a long-term deal with the Reds.

Gomez says he opted to move to Anfield because of Liverpool’s history, future opportunities, great players and the club’s style of play – claiming it was an “easy decision”.

He told Liverpool’s official website: “It’s a dream come true. It’s a bit surreal and it hasn’t really hit me yet. But I’m buzzing and just excited to get started.

“The club has got great history and it’s a great club, and one that I’ve always been following from when I was young.”

Confirmation of their fourth summer signing – after Manchester City midfielder James Milner, Burnley striker Danny Ings and Bolton goalkeeper Adam Bogdan – is likely to signal the departure of centre-back Sebastian Coates to Sunderland in a £4million permanent deal after the 24-year-old spent a successful season on loan at the Stadium of Light.

Reds boss Rodgers knows he is under pressure to produce a side capable of mounting a serious challenge for the Premier League title after what was a disappointing campaign last time out.

Liverpool are priced at 19.00 to win the Premier League next season but a more realistic target for Rodgers and his squad is to land a top-four spot and win a place in the Champions League again.