According to a recent report by the Scottish Sun, Preston North End’s English defender Ben Davies has been tipped to sign a pre-contract agreement with Premiership outfit Celtic in the upcoming January transfer window. The report suggests that Neil Lennon holds a long-standing admiration for the versatile defender, who is capable of operating at centre-half or left-back as per the requirement. Despite their heavy interest though, they are said to be facing competition from Championship side Bournemouth.
Although the report has clarified that Celtic are likely to sign Ben Davies for free next summer, the interest from the Cherries cannot be ignored. The defender though has been tipped to agree on terms with Celtic in January before joining the Parkhead club at the end of his contract tenure.
While a representative from Preston North End has confirmed that no agreements have been reached for any players so far, he conceded that there could be sales if the price-tag is met.
What Is Celtic’s Current Defensive Situation?
The Celts started the season with just two recognised centre-halves to choose from, but have since completed the loan acquisition of Irish defender Shane Duffy from Bournemouth. Despite the Brighton man’s arrival though, going into a season with just three options to choose from in central defence could prove to be suicidal. One single injury has the potential to shake up all of Neil Lennon’s plans, and it would certainly be in the best interest of the club to bring in another defender.
Although Davies is only going to arrive next summer, his presence will surely come as a massive boost to Neil Lennon’s roster ahead of the 21/22 Premiership campaign. With Boli Bolingoli’s place in the team now under heavy scrutiny, there’s no guarantee that he will play for Celtic again after returning from his Turkish loan. Depending entirely on Greg Taylor to produce the goods down the left flank wouldn’t be the best idea either. The 25-year-old Belgian has been shipped out to Basaksehir on loan for the remainder of the season after he was caught breaking strict quarantine rules.
What Makes Ben Davies A Good Option For Celtic?
The defender has been in and around the top of the English game for several years now, which means that he is undoubtedly well-equipped to deal with the physically demanding nature of the Premiership. Capable of playing at left-back as well, he would offer Neil Lennon the flexibility required to change things around as per requirement. Initially, a product of the Preston academy, the 25-year-old has had several loan spells away from his boyhood club as well. Standing at 1.85m tall, Davies would also offer a good amount of dynamism and energy in the defensive third of the pitch.
Celtic Are Likely To Sign Ben Davies For Free Next Summer: Smart Move For Lennon?
The big defender has the quality required to perform at this level, and that’s something that Lennon has obviously recognised. Not only is he mobile enough to deal with a variety of defensive situations, but he would also offer a good physical presence during set-piece situations. The signing of Duffy has papered over a lot of the cracks that were developing in the Celtic defence. With the Irishman currently expected to return to Brighton at the end of the season, the arrival of Davies next summer would come as positive news to the Parkhead faithful.
