(REUTERS) - Liverpool bolstered their injury-hit defence by signing centre back Ben Davies from Championship (second-tier) club Preston North End on Monday (Feb 1).

British media reported that the Premier League champions would pay Preston around two million pounds ($2.74 million) for the 25-year-old, who arrives at Anfield on a long-term contract.

"It's a huge opportunity. Obviously it came as a bit of a surprise when it first came but once you start to get your head around it, the opportunity that is in front of me is incredible," said Davies.

"I'd be silly to not make the most of it and learn off the players (at the club).

"I've never actually been to Anfield and I haven't had a look around yet. I had a quick look out and had a look at the pitch and it looks like carpet, which obviously you'd expect."

They have sealed a loan deal for Schalke 04's Turkey central defender Ozan Kabak.

Liverpool are without senior centre-backs Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez due to long-term injuries and were dealt another setback after Joel Matip was forced off with an ankle ligament injury in their 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur last week.

Matip was later ruled out for the rest of the season.

Manager Jurgen Klopp has had to play midfielders Fabinho and Jordan Henderson in defence this season while also relying on young players.

Liverpool fielded Henderson and 23-year-old Nathaniel Phillips as their centre back pairing in Sunday's 3-1 win over West Ham United that lifted them to third.

They host Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday.