Newcastle United snap up highly-rated midfielder from Liverpool

The Echo, the Gazette’s sister title, broke the news last month that United had beaten a number of clubs to his signature – including Tyne Wear rivals Sunderland.

Brookwell, 18, will team up with Chris Hogg’s under-23s for the upcoming season and is believed to have signed a two-year deal.

Hogg told NUFC.co.uk: "He's got good pedigree, having come through the Liverpool Academy - he's worked with a lot of good people there and has some good habits and a real good work ethic.

"I'd watched a lot of his clips before we signed him, and having seen him in the flesh in training he seems to be a good character, a good personality to have in the building, and somebody who we're hoping we can add a few more layers to, in terms of his football and personally, where he can be a success at the football club."

Brookwell, a Wigan-born box-to-box midfielder, was highly-rated at Liverpool where he has been since the age of nine.

He was handed his Under-18 debut as a 15-year-old by Gerrard but a series of injuries over the last 12 months has stalled his progress.

As well as Sunderland, Burnley and Crystal Palace were also keeping tabs on the player.