Leeds' young goalkeeping star Scott Carson will join Liverpool
within the next 24 hours due to his desire to play being more
important than pay.
Not even the wealth of Roman Abramovich has been able to tempt
Carson to Chelsea, with Liverpool beating their Premiership rivals
to the signature of the 19-year-old, who would have been out of
contract at Elland Road this summer.
After making an initial bid of £250,000 a fortnight ago for Carson,
one which was flatly rejected by Leeds, it is understood Liverpool
have significantly upped their offer.
The Reds are believed to have agreed a figure of around £750,000
for the England Under-21 international, with add-ons taking the sum
up to the £1million mark.
With Championship side Leeds still crippled by debt and facing
administration, the cash will come as a much-needed boost, even if
manager Kevin Blackwell is losing another of the club's promising
young players.
Carson is apparently due to undergo a medical with Liverpool today
before then agreeing personal terms on a four-and-a-half-year
contract.
That is not expected to be a problem as Chelsea were willing to
offer Carson a lucrative deal over the same period of time, with
the road to such riches an attractive one.
However, it is understood Carson felt his opportunities would have
been limited behind the sensational Petr Cech at Stamford
Bridge.
After savouring Premiership football last season with Leeds,
playing and distinguishing himself against Manchester United and,
coincidentally, Chelsea at a time when former goalkeeper Paul
Robinson was suspended, Carson would like to shine again at the
highest level.
With Chris Kirkland likely to be out for the rest of the season
with a back injury, and Jerzy Dudek attracting criticism for his
inconsistent performances, there may be the chance for Carson to
prove himself with the Reds sooner rather than later.
Should Carson pass the medical, and it is anticipated there will
not be any problems, he will become Liverpool manager Rafael
Benitez's first signing from outside Spain.
In confirming Carson's move to Liverpool, United spokesman Bryan
Morris said: 'We wish Scott the very best at his new club.
'He has proven himself to be a top-class keeper during his time at
Leeds United and we are sure he will continue to impress at
Anfield.
'His steady nerve in pressure situations and his professionalism on
and off the pitch will ensure he has a bright future ahead of
him.'
Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton confirmed that Carson was heading to
Merseyside for a medical.
He told the club's website: 'We have agreed terms with Leeds for
Scott Carson. He will come to Liverpool today for a medical and to
discuss personal terms.'
