Transfer news: Celtic closing in on deal for Preston's Ben Davies
Celtic are close to reaching an agreement to sign Ben Davies during the January transfer window; The left-footed centre-back has made 18 appearances in the Championship for Alex Neil's Preston this season
Thursday 28 January 2021 15:59, UK
Celtic will look to buy Preston’s Ben Davies in this transfer window, if they can agree personal terms with the player.
Talks are said to be progressing well and at an advanced stage for the 25-year-old centre-back, and Celtic are prepared to negotiate a deal with Preston this week.
The Championship side are said to be looking for a fee of between £2m and £2.5m from Celtic for Davies, having quoted £3m to Bournemouth who are also keen on the defender.
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Davies has received a lot of interest given that his Preston contract expires in six months, including from Sheffield United.
Celtic have been monitoring Davies for some time and he was a target for the Scottish Premiership side during the previous transfer window.
Bournemouth saw a bid for the defender rejected last summer and have been tracking his situation this month.
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Davies, a left-footed centre half who can also play at left-back, is a product of Preston's academy and enjoyed loan spells at York City, Tranmere Rovers, Southport, Newport County and Fleetwood Town, prior to breaking into the Lilywhites' first-team on a regular basis during the 2017/18 season.
He has played 18 games in the Championship this season, with Alex Neil's side currently six points behind the play-off places.
Celtic had also held initial discussions with out-of-contract Preston midfielder Ben Pearson earlier in the window but have not taken them further.
Meanwhile, Jeremie Frimpong is on the verge of leaving Celtic and is currently abroad speaking to another club, manager Neil Lennon has confirmed.
The Hoops were in talks with Leicester City over a move for defender Filip Benkovic, with the club keen to provide cover for the injured Christopher Jullien, but the Croatian international joined Belgian side OH Leuven earlier this month until the end of the season.
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The winter transfer window is open until Monday, February 1 at 11pm.
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