Liverpool set to boost defensive options with Davies signing

LIVERPOOL were last night set to bolster their backline with the signing of Preston defender Ben Davies.

The Reds have been so short of fit centre-backs that captain Jordan Henderson has been deployed there in recent weeks but Davies, pictured, has emerged as a surprise choice to reinforce their ranks.

It is understood the 25-year-old was undergoing a medical last night before signing for an initial £500,000. Preston will also benefit from a 20 per cent sell-on clause on any profit Liverpool make on any further transfer with a further payment if Davies plays for England, while North End will get 19-yearold Liverpool defender Sepp Van Den Berg on loan.

Liverpool were also interested in bringing in Marseille’s Duje CaletaCar but that became problematic so they have now switched their attention to a loan deal for Schalke’s Ozan Kabak.

West Brom completed the deadline-day loan signing of Okay Yokuslu from Celta Vigo and were closing in on Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles last night.

Yokuslu’s arrival follows those of Mbaye Diagne, who moved on loan from Galatasaray, and Robert Snodgrass, while the Baggies have also agreed to take England international Maitland-Niles on loan for the rest of the season.

Southampton were interested in Maitland-Niles but the Press Association understands they pulled out because the player did not appear sold on the switch.

Glenn Murray is looking forward to working with former Brighton boss Chris Hughton again after he completed a permanent move to Nottingham Forest.

The 37-year-old spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Watford, but was recalled by the Seagulls and allowed to bring his long association with the Premier League club to an end.

West Ham defender Winston Reid has joined Brentford on loan until the end of the season.

The 32-year-old New Zealand international spent the first half of the season on loan with MLS side Sporting Kansas City after recovering from a serious knee injury sustained in March 2018.

Galatasaray have completed the signing of United States defender DeAndre Yedlin from Newcastle, who last night were being linked with a loan move for Leicester’s Hamza Choudhury among others.

Goalkeeper Jonas Lossl has left Everton to return to Danish side Midtjylland, his first professional club.

The 32-year-old did not make a first-team appearance for Carlo Ancelotti’s side following his move from Huddersfield in 2019.

Norwich have completed the signing of former Aston Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland on a shortterm deal until the end of the season.

Birmingham have completed the permanent signing of teenage forward Keyendrah Simmonds from Manchester City.