17.5m Johnson snubs Blues in favour of Liverpool move

ENGLAND defender Glen Johnson is set to complete a £17.5m transfer to Liverpool after rejecting a return to former club Chelsea.

Liverpool confirmed last night they had agreed a fee with Portsmouth and personal terms with Johnson, 24, following a three-way chase for his signature.

Big-spending Manchester City were also in the running while Chelsea had been keen to re-sign a player they sold for £4m in 2007.

But the right-back, who has revived his career on the south coast, has chosen to move to Anfield and join last season’s Premier League runners-up.

The £17.5m fee is thought to include Liverpool writing off £7m they are owed by Portsmouth for the sale of England striker Peter Crouch last summer.

But with Reds manager Rafael Benitez working on a restricted budget, Johnson’s arrival is likely to trigger defensive departures.

Italian full-back Andrea Dossena is the most likely to leave. The 27-year-old has struggled to make an impact on Merseyside since arriving from Udinese for £7m last year, and has been linked with a move back to his homeland. Spain defender Alvaro Arbeloa is another who could be sold. The 26-year-old, who can play anywhere across the back four, is reported to be a target for Real Madrid.

A club statement read: “Liverpool FC confirmed this evening that they had reached an agreement with Portsmouth Football Club and with Glen Johnson for the transfer of the player to Anfield.”

Johnson had hinted that he would not favour a return to Chelsea, where his early promise stagnated after joining for £6m from West Ham as an 18-year-old. He moved to Portsmouth, initially on loan, and rediscovered his best form, forcing his way back into the England team.