London - Liverpool said Monday that they have reached agreement with Portsmouth to sign Glen Johnson from Portsmouth.

The England defender had been the subject of similar offers from Liverpool and his former club Chelsea.

In a statement, the club said: "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."

The fee is expected to be in the region of 17.5 million pounds.(dpa)