Celtic make contact with Preston North End about a move for Ben Davies

North End confirmed on Tuesday evening that Celtic had been in contact, out of courtesy, to inform them that they would be holding talks with Davies about trying to take him to Parkhead in the summer.

With Davies' contract running out in June, he can now speak to clubs outside England about a Bosman move at the end of the season.

If the terms offered at attractive enough, he could sign a pre-contract agreement which would become active when his North End deal runs out.

Celtic don't need PNE's permission to speak to Davies about a move in the summer, however they chose to get in touch with Deepdale officials out of common courtesy.

The two clubs did business a year ago when Scott Sinclair moved from Celtic to Preston.

Davies, 25, doesn't need to agree to anything at this stage but will be interested in what Celtic have to say.

He might choose to wait until after the transfer window shuts on Monday night to see if any clubs come in with a late bid to take him now.

Bournemouth were reported to be eyeing up a move for him and PNE team-mate Ben Pearson, that perhaps prompting Celtic to step-up their interest.

Pearson himself was linked to Celtic over the Christmas period.

Centre-half Davies has been on North End's books since he was at primary school.

He made his first-team debut eight years ago today against Coventry City, before having a succession of loan spells.

Davies has made 144 appearances for PNE, scoring twice.

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