Celtic thought they would be parading Ben Davies by the end of this transfer window
Neil Lennon has spoken of his bemusement following news that Ben Davies is set to join Liverpool.
It was widely reported that the Preston North End defender would arrive at Celtic Park before the window closed, but Jurgen Klopp has turned to the 25-year-old in an attempt to solve his injury crisis.
The Liverpool boss resorted to a central defensive pairing of youngster Nathaniel Phillips and midfielder Jordan Henderson for the 3-1 win over West Ham on Sunday, and Sky Sports now report that Davies is on his way to Anfield.
They claim that the player will sign for an initial fee of £500,000, with a series of add-ons totalling £1.1m. These are said to be based on games played, success and any future appearances for the English national team.
Celtic manager Lennon had been confident of securing a pre-contract agreement with the player, and Record Sport quote him as saying on Monday afternoon: “It’s a blow because we were very close to doing that and obviously we got gazumped at the last minute by Liverpool.
“He lives in that area and I’m sure financially it would have been quite rewarding for him as well so disappointed but we move on.”
The Sky Sports report also credits Bournemouth and Sheffield United with an interest in the player, who has made 144 appearances for the Championship side.
Lennon has received some positive news from Merseyside, however, with Everton right-back Jonjoe Kenny looking set to seal a loan deal for the remainder of the season.
Record Sport quote Lennon as saying: “He’s a player I have liked for a while.
“He is at Everton obviously and had a very good career at England youth at under-21 level and I watched quite a bit of him last season when he was on loan at Schalke.
“I like his qualities, his enthusiasm for the game, his character and I think he will bring that to the team.
“He is a bubbly sort of personality and he plays that way as well. He is ready to start and itching to play as well.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
