Liverpool sign Augsburg defender Ragnar Klavan for £4.2m

Ragnar Klavan have joined Liverpool from Augsburg in a deal reportedly worth £4.2m.

The experienced central defender has been brought in as cover at centre-back with both Mamadou Sakho and Joe Gomez currently ruled out due to injury.

Tiago Ilori had been expected to provide initial cover for the start of the coming season but his inclusion in Portugal’s Olympics squad has forced Liverpool to bolster their defensive ranks with new-signing Klavan.

The central defender enjoyed four seasons at Augsburg, after joining in 2012, and made 181 appearances for the club.

Speaking to Liverpool’s official website, Klaven said: “I’m really honoured to be part of this amazing club, this amazing team.

“It’s hard to put it into words, because it’s been a dream of mine for 22 years to come to the Premier League and be a part of this amazing club, Liverpool.

“The Premier League is the most attractive league in the world and you always have amazing players here. This is the home of football.”

“I’m really honoured to be part of this amazing club.”

The 30-year-old has also made more than international 100 appearances for Estonia and fans will hope his experience can help boost Liverpool’s backline.

According to reports, Jurgen Klopp sees him as the ideal man to offer the same leadership and cover provided by Kolo Toure last season.

Klavan began his career in Estonia where he made his debut as a 15-year-old in 2001 for FC Elva. He went on to enjoy spells at Tulevik, Flora, Valerenga and Heracles before joining AZ Alkmaar in 2009.

The Estonian joins former Bundesliga player Joel Matip who was brought in on a free transfer earlier this summer and started Sunday’s friendly at Wigan alongside Dejan Lovren.

Furthermore, his experience would be priceless in the dressing room as well, having played over a 100 games since joining the German outfit.