Notts County starlet Jack Bearne agrees deal to join Liverpool

Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign 15-year-old Notts County starlet Jack Bearne. The League Two strugglers confirmed on Friday (16 December) that the highly-regarded forward, who made his debut for the U18 side earlier this year aged just 14, had agreed a "long-term deal" with the transfer of registration set to completed in April 2017.

County also revealed that they would receive a fee for Bearne, although declined to mention any specifics. An official statement further claimed that the Magpies would "further benefit as he progresses" on Merseyside.

"On behalf of everyone at the academy I'd like to wish Jack all the very best," academy manager Mick Halsall told the club's official website.

"He's going to a fantastic club that provides pathways for youngsters to reach the first team. Being from the city and having played in their academy, Liverpool is a club close to my heart and I truly hope Jack goes all the way."

On Thursday, The Mirror revealed that Notts County were set to sell Bearne to Liverpool in a deal worth approximately £150,000 ($187,515) as part of an attempt to raise funds. The world's oldest professional football club, who currently sit 20th in the bottom tier amid a six-match winless league run that continued with last weekend's 2-0 defeat to Wycombe Wanderers at Meadow Lane, are due back in court on Monday after being issued with another winding-up petition by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) over a tax issue.

Owner Ray Trew put the club up for sale in February and stood down as chairman citing the "foul, mindless abuse" thrown at his family both in person and by "oh so brave keyboard warriors". Takeover negotiations with local businessman Alan Hardy are said to have reached an impasse over a price. John Sheridan's side, only four points clear of the relegation zone, travel to Colchester United this weekend before visiting Peterborough United for an FA Cup replay that could net them a third-round tie against Chelsea in the New Year.

Liverpool have yet to announce the deal for Bearne, yet the player has already taken to social media to post a picture of himself with club icon Kenny Dalglish along with the caption "proud to be a red".

In another tweet, he said: "Amazing thanks to notts county, fantastic club, fantastic people. will always be following the club."