Celtic table contract for Davies amid high interest

CELTIC have offered a pre-contract deal to Preston North End defender Ben Davies, but contrary to reports, no agreement has yet been reached with the player.

Stories emerged yesterday suggesting that the Scottish champions had secured the services of the 25-year-old on a deal for next season, but it is understood that Celtic still face stiff competition for Davies’s signature.

English Championship side Bournemouth are reportedly among a host of clubs down south with an interest in the centre-half, and the Cherries are understood to be keen to work out a deal to take him to the Vitality Stadium before the January transfer window closes on Monday night.

Celtic are hoping though that they can lure Davies north of the border as they look to address the defensive problems that have plagued their season.

Preston manager Alex Neil addressed the prospect of Celtic’s interest in Davies earlier this week, saying: “I haven’t really heard anything [about Celtic] apart from what was in the paper.

“Ben hasn’t said a word to me about it. He has been good all the way through, this has only just appeared.

“As far as I’m aware from the discussions I’ve had before with Ben, he has so far committed to being here to at least the end of the season.”

Meanwhile, Celtic have knocked back a loan bid from Gillingham for teenage star Karamoko Dembele. Sources have indicated the club feel the 16-year-old’s development is best served by staying put for now.