Ben Davies scouting report as Liverpool transfer target undergoes medical

Liverpool are poised to complete the signing of Preston North End star Ben Davies as they look to address their weakness at centre-back at the eleventh hour.

Anfield chiefs had hoped they could weather the storm following the long-term knee injuries sustained by Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez.

A recent setback suffered by Joel Matip, however, forced their hand and they tabled a £2million bid for Davies, who has emerged as one of the finest centre-backs in the Championship this season.

But what can Liverpool expect from the 25-year-old? What are his qualities? And could he establish himself in the starting XI in the long term?

Here, Lancashire Live's Preston North End writer George Hodgson answers those questions with a scouting report on Liverpool-bound Davies.

1) What sort of player is Ben Davies?

Davies has blossomed into one of the top centre-backs in the Championship and has been a consistently high performer for PNE over the last three seasons.

He has got a bit of everything, in truth. Quick across the ground, an excellent decision maker, technically excellent, left-footed, a very capable passer and intelligent footballer who rarely gets caught out of position and reads danger very well.

Physically, he is not exactly a Van Dijk type but he knows where to position himself and can compete just fine.

2) Is it a good deal for LFC?

Had he have been under a longer contract it would've been £10million, minimum. It's a steal of a deal and there is no way on earth he will ever be worth less than that.

An English, left-footed centre-back, 25-years-old and more than ready to step up from the Championship. Smart business.

3) Could Davies become a regular starter?

It's a huge step up into a world he has never experienced, but Andy Robertson and Joe Gomez came from the EFL and I see no reason why Davies can't do the same.

He's at the top of his game right now and was making the Championship look easy. He will be fully aware how hard he will have to work but he has grafted to get to where he is and will be ready to take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

All of Davies' traits are what you would look for in a modern day centre-back.

Do you think Ben Davies can become a regular starter for Liverpool? Have your say in the comments.

4) Were you surprised by Liverpool's interest?

I think it's always going to be surprising when the Premier League champions come calling for a Preston North End player.

I was more surprised though that a top flight club weren't doing everything they could to sign him, when it looked as though it was going to be a free transfer to Celtic at the end of the season.

Given the defensive crisis at Anfield at the moment though, and the fact a player like Davies was available for a cut-price, I think it's a really sensible move on Liverpool's part.

5) What is the feeling at PNE about the deal?

It was brilliant to see, actually. It's not every day North End fans get to watch one of their own get a move like this and while the supporters are gutted to see him go, the overriding emotions on social media yesterday were pride and excitement on his part.

Watching Davies in a Liverpool shirt, competing against the very best will be a wonderful sight for everyone connected with Preston and he will have the city backing him all the way.

From the club's point of view, the deal is much better than losing him for nothing in the summer and the sell-on clause is a big bonus too.

6) Anything else we should be aware of?

The type of character he is, I'm sure Davies will fit into the culture at Liverpool perfectly. No big ego, down to earth, someone who will remember where he came from and not let his guard down for one minute – but also a fierce competitor who sets high standards and wants to win and succeed.

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