Who is the 30-year-old defender coming to shore up Liverpool’s back-line?

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Ragnar Klavan may not be a well known name to English football fans, but he is the man that has been chosen by Jurgen Klopp to ease their defensive worries. With Kolo Toure released, Martin Skrtel having signed for Fenerbahce, Tiago Illori called up to the Portugal Olympic squad, and both Mamadou Sakho and Joe Gomez ruled out with Achilles injuries, reinforcements are needed to support Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip.

A title winner and international captain, Ragnar Klavan certainly provides an experienced option. The 30 year old is reported to be close to a £4.2 million move to Anfield with the club hoping to tie up the deal in order for him to join them on their US tour. Currently at FC Augsburg in the Bundesliga, who visited Anfield in the Europa League last season, the Estonian provides all that Jurgen Klopp needs.

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Left footed, providing cover for Dejan Lovren, and capable of playing at left back as well as centre back, Klavan brings a different option to the Reds defence. At 6ft1in, he’s dominant in the air in a similar way to Martin Skrtel was at his peak and could well be missing in Mamadou Sakho’s absence.

A title winner at AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivise in 2009, and with over 100 caps to his name, Klavan brings experience to a youthful backline having lost their two most experienced defenders in Skrtel and Toure this summer.

At just £4.2 million, there is little risk for the Reds in this deal, with Klavan proven in physical and competitive leagues such as the Bundesliga, and likely to come on fairly cheap wages, particularly in comparison to some other targets mentioned such as Jeremy Mathieu. He’s also unlikely to arrive expecting to be first choice.

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Klavan’s reputation as a rock solid and hard as nails defender is exactly what Liverpool have been missing in recent times, yet he has control, having only been booked twice last season in 40 appearances.

The Estonian described Jurgen Klopp as an “excellent coach” before he visited Anfield in the Europa League, and has long spoken of a move to the Premier League, though he confesses to having dreamt of a move to Arsenal over anyone else.

With a move reportedly set to be completed in the coming days, Klavan could follow in the footsteps of former Greek cult hero Sotirios Kyrgiakos during his two year spell at Anfield from 2009 to 2011. Whether Klavan makes a big impact or not on Merseyside remains to be seen, but at a low price, he is certain to provide vital cover and bring much needed experience to a young LFC side.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Liina J.