Celtic manager Neil Lennon has said that the club are not close to signing Preston North End defender Ben Davies, reports Radio Clyde‘s Sports Editor Alison Conroy:
Celtic boss Neil Lennon says no deal has been agreed with Ben Davies as yet. Ahead of the transfer deadline he’s looking at “1 or 2 replacements” with Frimpong away & Jullien injured.
— Alison Conroy (@AlisonGConroy) January 29, 2021
It is believed that the Hoops are poised to secure the 25-year-old on a pre-contract agreement, ahead of a free transfer next summer when the centre-back’s current deal expires.
However, reports in recent days have suggested that Celtic want to sign Davies this month with the Scottish champions having opened talks about a transfer in the lead up to Monday’s transfer deadline.
Preston are said to be demanding between £2m to £2.5m for the player, and it remains to be seen whether the two sides can come to an agreement regarding a transfer fee.
English Championship side Bournemouth are also thought to be interested in snapping up Davies so there could be a battle for the defender’s signature before deadline day.