Preston North End facing a big week with the futures of Ben Davies and Ben Pearson as Bournemouth linked with swoop for the pair

The transfer window shuts next Monday (February 1) at 11pm, with trading ceasing until the summer.

So if North End want to get fees for Ben Davies or Ben Pearson before their deals end in June, they will have to sell before the deadline.

The two Bens have shown no signs of agreeing new terms at Deepdale.

Also out of contract in the summer is Daniel Johnson but things seem to be pointing towards him signing a new deal at some stage.

Speculation surfaced in the media on Monday linking Bournemouth with moves for Davies and Pearson.

The Cherries tried to buy Davies last summer but their offer of £3m and add-ons was turned down. However, their interest in Pearson seems new.

The midfielder is currently out of the first-team picture at North End after telling them he sees his future as being away from Deepdale.

January’s signings of Ben Whiteman and Jayson Molumby were made to cover the risk of Pearson leaving, so too Johnson to some extent.

So Neil has argued he needs to give the newcomers their chance and both have settled well into the team.

Neil is not in a position to do likewise in the defence with Davies and at the moment it would be difficult for anyone to match his form.

He was excellent in North End’s 0-0 draw with Reading on Sunday, so too last week at Birmingham.

Neil referred to him after the Reading game as a ‘nine out of 10’ performer on a regular basis.

You would say Davies is the hardest to replace in terms of a left-footed central defender with his ability at this level.

Whether the reported interest from Bournemouth in Davies and Pearson materialises into bids, time will tell.

Bournemouth currently sit sixth in the Championship as they look to bounce back at the first attempt to the Premier League.

Both Davies and Pearson played against them when PNE won 3-2 at the Vitality Stadium in December.

In recent weeks they have been linked with Celtic, the possibility raised of them signing pre-contract deals which would see them move on Bosmans in the summer.

Those links have quietened of late though.

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 per month for the first two months. Try us today by clicking here