Eyebrows might have been raised when it emerged Liverpool had placed a £4m asking-price on Ben Davies’ head earlier this summer.
After all, the defender only cost the Reds an initial £500,000 when signed from Preston North End 18 months ago and had failed to ever make a competitive appearance for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Loaned to Sheffield United last season, the centre-back endured a mixed stint as the manager who signed him, Slavisia Jokanovic, swiftly lost his job and he was limited to 23 Championship appearances as the Blades suffered defeat in the play-offs.
That didn’t stop the defender from being the subject of vast interest back at Anfield, though, with Blackburn Rovers, Burnley, Middlesbrough, Stoke City and Celtic all credited as the 26-year-old sat out Liverpool ’s pre-season tour of the Far East as a result.
However, it was Rangers who won the race for Davies’ signature after agreeing to meet his asking price. Liverpool have banked an initial £3m for the centre-back with a further £1m to potentially follow in add-ons. Having had to accept slightly less than their initial £42.5m and £17m reported asking-prices for Sadio Mane and Takumi Minamino, it reiterates the success of sporting director Julian Ward’s negotiations with the Scottish outfit that the club is set to receive their desired £4m package.
And in truth, the Reds partly have fierce rivals Manchester United to thank for the deal they’ve agreed with Rangers for Davies, after the Red Devils’ own transfer deadlines set off a chain reaction which will essentially pay the departing Liverpool man's transfer fee
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