Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp who said he would not sign a central defender may have to go back on his word as more of his defenders suffer injury blows. The manager may have to sign a second central defender after sealing a £2m deal for Preston’s Ben Davies, with Marseille’s Duje Caleta-Car a potential target as well.
Jurgen Klopp Wants Duje Caleta-Car
Cameroonian international Joel Matip has joined Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez on the injury list. Fabinho, who has deputised in defence, was also absent for Sunday’s 3-1 win at West Ham.
Jurgen Klopp named his 12th different centre-half partnership in 21 league games for the game at London Stadium, with Jordan Henderson alongside Nathaniel Phillips.
He is also looking at signing Arsenal’s Shkodran Mustafi, and the Arsenal player is a potential target for the Anfield club. The capture of 25-years-old Davies is expected to be completed following a medical and Liverpool are delighted to add him since Celtic were convinced they had secured him on a pre-contract agreement.
The left-sided defender has played for Preston’s youth, York, Southport and Newport. He is expected to have a medical with Liverpool today.
Burnley was also interested, but it is understood Preston were not keen to sell a local rival.
Bournemouth was considering a bid as part of a double deal also including Ben Pearson, while Sheffield United was also in the mix – but Davies jumped at the chance to move to the Premier League champions.
Liverpool will pay £500,000 upfront with add-ons worth up to £1.1m relating to first-team appearances and any other achievements he contributes to, as well as any England honours he may win.
It is also believed there is a sell-on clause for Preston if Liverpool makes any profit on a future deal for Davies. Liverpool’s 19-year-old Dutch defender Sepp van den Berg is expected to join Preston on loan as part of the agreement.