Liverpool: Brendan Rodgers closes in on first signing as Paulinho jets in for medical

Liverpool are close to completing their first signing of the summer after Paulinho landed in England to complete his medical and finalise his move.

The 17-year-old, who currently plays for Portuguese third-tier outfit A.D. Sanjoanense, has travelled with his father to Merseyside to compete his move. The youngster is set to join the Reds next season, allowing him to back and complete the season with his current employers.

The Portuguese minnows revealed that the deal took months of negotiations between the two clubs and the parents and the decision was taken following a small trial period at Liverpool's Melwood training base.

"Sanjoanense informs that, after many months of negotiations, they have reached an agreement with Liverpool for the transfer, outright, of Paulo Alves [Paulinho]," a statement on the club's website read, as quoted by Goal.

"The agreement comes after a period of testing at the legendary English club, which met the expectations of his parents. It should be formalised in the coming days, with the player allowed to travel to Liverpool in the company of his father," the statement added.

Paulinho, who is also known as Paulo Alves, will become Brendan Rodgers' first summer signing and will join compatriot Joao Teixeira in Liverpool's youth academy from next season.

Meanwhile, Anfield legend Robbie Fowler has tipped midfielder Philippe Coutinho to win the Reds' player of the year prize for his impressive performances throughout the campaign.

The Brazilian international has been one of the shining lights in Liverpool's disappointing campaign that could see them go without a trophy and miss out on a place in next season's Champions League.

"The stand-out player this year has probably been Philippe Coutinho, I'd be surprised if he didn't win it. He has scored goals," Fowler told Liverpool's official site.

"As a forward, I loved playing with players like that because you knew that you were going to get a few chances in a game."

"He is one of those players that can open up defences; ultimately, the forward players have got to be helping him but he certainly helps the forwards," the former Reds forward added.

"He puts the ball into certain positions where you think it is impossible at times, and some of his footwork in creating space for himself is a joy to watch."