Fee revealed as Liverpool complete deal for centre-back Ben Davies

Ben Davies (pic from LFC)

Liverpool have completed the signing of Ben Davies from Preston North End on a long-term contract, the Merseyside outfit have confirmed.

The 25-year-old defender has put pen-to-paper on a deal with the Reds to bolster Jurgen Klopp’s injury-hit back line.

Liverpool are said to have paid an initial fee of £500,000, plus structured add-ons which could rise to £1.6million.

Davies told Liverpoolfc.com during his first interview at Anfield: “I’m obviously delighted to be here.

“It’s a huge opportunity. Obviously it came as a bit of a surprise when it first came but once you start to get your head around it, the opportunity that is in front of me is incredible. I’d be silly to not make the most of it and learn off the players [at the club].

“I’ve never actually been to Anfield and I haven’t had a look around yet. I had a quick look out and had a look at the pitch and it looks like carpet, which obviously you’d expect.

“I haven’t actually walked out of the tunnel yet, so I’m looking forward to that. Just to be in this kind of atmosphere is brilliant.”

Davies graduated through the academy ranks at Preston, making 145 appearances and scoring twice.

The Englishman will take the vacant No.28 shirt at Liverpool.

Davies ready to make his mark

“I want to come in and play games to start with, I want to get my foot in the door and make myself a Premier League player rather than obviously a Championship player. And then take it from there really,” Davies added.

“I know we’ve got some top players here and players I can certainly learn from. Once you get your foot in the door then you’re here as well. Hopefully I can take my chance and then move forward with it.

“I’m looking forward to coming in and playing in front of everyone and showing everyone what I can do. I’m sure a lot of fans and people don’t know [me], or haven’t even seen me play.

“It’s definitely an exciting time and I think they’ll quite enjoy watching me when I’m playing well.”

The Reds are also closing in on Schalke defender Ozan Kabak, with the two clubs close to agreeing an initial £1million loan fee with the option to buy for £18m at the end of the season.