Ben Davies 'wavered' over a move to Celtic because of a contract clause they wanted to insert in the deal, according to a report.
The Parkhead club were clear favourites to sign the defender on a pre-contract before Liverpool swooped in on Deadline Day to solve their defensive problems.
Neil Lennon said Jurgen Klopp's side "gazumped" the Premiership champions as the Anfield club agreed a £1.6million fee with Alex Neil's men, with Sepp van den Berg heading to Deepdale on loan.
But according to the Sunday Mirror, Davies hesitated over a move to Celtic as they were going to include a clause that required the defender to be injury-free and fit to play when reporting for duty.
The report claims that then allowed Liverpool to swoop in and secure a deal for the 25-year-old.
Preston boss Alex Neil revealed the Reds came out of nowhere to edge out Celtic.
He said: “The Liverpool move came out of the blue. I think he was shocked.
"I just said, ‘Listen you’ve just got to make sure you get this across the line’.
“He’s earned his move and when he gets his opportunity he has to show everybody what he’s about.”
