Preston North End manager Alex Neil has revealed that Ben Pearson has made it known that he’ll be leaving Deepdale when his contract expires in the summer.

The 26-year-old, who has been linked with Celtic, has not played for the Lilywhites since the start of December, and asked about his absence after the 2-0 defeat to Bristol City yesterday, Neil replied:

“Ben has made it clear to us that his future doesn’t lie here come the end of the season. And, there is no point us going and strengthening positions and bringing players in if I’m not going to give them a shot and play them.”

The development will be a big boost to the Hoops, following reports earlier this month that the Scottish champions had made an initial approach to sign Pearson on a pre-contract agreement.

It remains to be seen whether there are other interested clubs looking to sign the former Manchester United player on a free transfer but Celtic are clearly in the running to secure his signature.

Pearson has made 165 appearances during his five years at Preston, scoring two goals and providing five assists. He generally plays as a holding midfielder and would add greater competition for the likes of Callum McGregor, Scott Brown and Ismaila Soro.