Celtic look poised to sign Preston North End centre-back Ben Davies on a free transfer next summer, according to reports in the Scottish media.

Despite his contract expiring in June 2021, North End have reportedly already rejected a £5m bid from Bournemouth for the defender during the current transfer window.

They could now lose Davies for nothing with the Hoops said to be leading the race to sign the 25-year-old on a pre-contract agreement in January.

It is believed that manager Neil Lennon has been tracking the centre-half for a long-time, and his ability to also play at left-back is likely to have played an important part in pursuing a deal for the player.

Lennon has once again switched to playing three at the back, which he has deployed in Celtic’s last two games against Ross County and St Mirren. Davies would be the perfect fit for the left-sided centre back role.