Liverpool reported to be eyeing Preston North End defender Ben Davies ahead of the transfer deadline

Davies, 25, has been having talks with Celtic over a pre-contract agreement which would see him move to Parkhead in July.

He's out of contract with North End in the summer and under international transfer rules can hold talks with clubs outside of England.

Whether Liverpool's interest has got as far as an enquiry, it is not yet clear.

But if they were to come in with a late move ahead of Monday night's transfer deadline, it would be hard for Davies to resist.

Liverpool could offer Sepp van der Berg on loan in exchange, the Dutch 19-year-old having been linked with several Championship clubs.

Barrow-born Davies has been with PNE since the age of nine, coming through the academy and youth system.

He made his first-team debut eight years at the age of 17 but then had loan spells with five different clubs before establishing himself in the North End team from 2017 onwards.

Liverpool are without a number of defenders through injury at the moment, with Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all sidelined.

If the interest in Davies has foundation, he would help to plug some gaps in the squad and get the chance to play in the Premier League.

One of the players Liverpool have turned to in defence this season is Preston-born Rhys Williams - a big North End supporter.

Williams came through the Reds' academy and has made 12 appearances this season.

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