Celtic are weighing up a January move for Preston North End defender Ben Davies, according to the Football Insider.

The website claims that the 25-year-old could be available for a relatively low price when the transfer window reopens as the centre-back’s contract at Deepdale expires at the end of the season.

However, the Hoops’ move for Davies is likely to be dependent on Kristoffer Ajer leaving the club. The Norwegian has been heavily linked with a switch to AC Milan over the past year, although there has never been a formal bid from the Serie A giants.

Davies has also been in high demand, with the likes of Sheffield United, West Ham and Bournemouth having looked at him in the summer. The centre-half remained with Preston, though, with the Championship club having demanded £10m for the player despite his contract situation.

Celtic are likely aware they will face stiff competition if they look to sign him on a free transfer in July so they are willing to offer a cut-price deal in the New Year to get him earlier instead.