Ben Davies is set to finalise his stunning move to Liverpool on deadline day, with his medical already underway.
The Liverpool Echo have now released a very interesting report about the deal, with some fascinating nuggets for Preston fans to read.
Let’s break down what they’re claiming is happening with Davies ahead of his move to Anfield…
New fee suggested
Liverpool looked to be paying just £2million for Davies given that he is inside the final six months of his contract, but the structure now looks to greatly benefit the Reds.
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It’s stated that Liverpool are paying just £500,000 up front with a further £1.1million in add-ons, with Davies representing unbelievable value in the transfer market.
Davies for England?
The deal allegedly includes a clause where Preston will receive more money if Davies picks up an England cap – we can’t really see this happening given that Jack O’Connell hasn’t even had a look in, but Davies is a left-footed centre back with quality on the ball, so you just never know.
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North End are also believed to have a 20% sell-on clause in the deal, which will be absolutely vital. Liverpool are amazing sellers; they manage to get considerable money for players who don’t even play all that much, so having a slice of Davies’s future fee is key.
Burnley and Sheffield United snubbed
Burnley are claimed to have made contact with Preston about signing Davies, but North End didn’t want to sell to a local rival – and didn’t feel that their style of play was suited to Davies!
It was a similar story with Sheffield United, with Davies not particularly interested in heading there, and his patience has been rewarded with a huge move to Anfield.
What Liverpool insiders think of Davies
Liverpool were impressed with Davies in the Championship, believing him to be one of the best left-sided defenders in the division and an ideal fit for Jurgen Klopp’s defence thanks to his pace and composure.
A comparison was even made to ex-Liverpool defender Ragnar Klavan, with the Reds seemingly convinced that Davies can make the step up at Anfield.
Sepp van den Berg to Preston
Davies to Liverpool means the Reds are sending Dutch centre back Sepp van den Berg to Deepdale, with the teenager in desperate need of first-team playing time.
Preston are ready to give him that, and will have a first option to extend the move into next season is Van den Berg plays a certain percentage of North End’s games in the remainder of the campaign.