Liverpool confirm Ben Davies signing on "long-term contract"

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of centre-back Ben Davies from Preston North End on a "long-term contract".

The 25-year-old emerged as a target for the Premier League champions in the latter stages of the transfer window as they searched for extra cover in defence due to a string of injuries.

Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are both long-term absentees for the Reds, while Joel Matip is currently sidelined and makeshift centre-back Fabinho is also out through injury at the moment.

Jurgen Klopp has been forced to use 12 different centre-back partnerships already this season, most recently pairing captain Jordan Henderson with Nat Phillips.

However, he has now bolstered his options on deadline day with the signature of 25-year-old Preston academy graduate Davies, who will wear the number 28 shirt 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]," Davies told Liverpool's official website.

"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.

"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.

"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."

✍️ Welcome to the Reds, Ben Davies.

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 1, 2021

Davies played 145 times for Preston after coming through the ranks, being named the club's Player of the Year in 2019.

Liverpool have also been linked with a deadline day move for Schalke 04 defender Ozan Kabak to further strengthen their ranks for the remainder of the campaign.