The ongoing conundrum at the back depicts the necessity of reinforcements and according to the Daily Record, Celtic want Ben Davies from Preston North End who is set to part ways with his club upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the current campaign. The Hoops have tabled a pre-contract offer, but a deal is not done yet and an array of other outfits are also monitoring his status at Deepdale.
Ben Davies pre contract with Celtic isn’t done yet.
— Alison Conroy (@AlisonGConroy) January 28, 2021
The same has been highlighted by the reliable Alison Conroy.
Why Bournemouth’s Offer Is Too Good To Turn Down
Bournemouth, meanwhile, might hijack the deal as they are keen on having the 25-year-old at the south coast prior to the winter transfer deadline. The Cherries are fighting for an immediate Premier League return and therefore, present a more fascinating project compared to the Glasgow giants. The Lilywhites, too, would prefer some financial profit over losing him for free five months later and Celtic, thus, must come up with an equal or better offer if they want Ben Davies at the Parkhead ahead of the fellow suitors.
Rangers, on the other hand, have roped in Jack Simpson from Bournemouth on pre-contract terms and the arrival of Davies would fill the void left by the Dorset-born defender in the long run. They have the likes of Steve Cook, Lloyd Kelly, Chris Mephamand also Cameron Carter-Vickers (on loan from Spurs) in their ranks and the addition of the Preston centre-half would bolster Jason Tindall with more quality and alternatives while choosing his ‘back three’ for the upcoming fixtures.
Why Celtic Want Davies To Strengthen Their Defensive Setup
Celtic, however, are exposed defensively following Christopher Jullien’s injury blow. They have sanctioned Jeremie Frimpong’s transfer to Bayer Leverkusen and are now forced to deploy Kristoffer Ajer as a makeshift right fullback. Nir Bitton, predominantly a defensive midfielder, has been converted into a centre-back, and the performance of Brighton loanee Shane Duffy has been below par since securing a summer transfer. Roping in Davies would have solved their crisis considering his experience in the English second tier.
Neil’s Take On The Whole Saga
Alex Neil, nevertheless, is hopeful of retaining his services for the rest of the season.
“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 certainly being here to at least the end of the season.
“I could say, ‘Yes, he will be here until the end of the season’ and then he leaves tonight and I look silly.”
Preston have an outside chance of grabbing a playoff place finish and the gaffer, too, is desperate to not lose his prized asset for obvious reasons. Now it is to be seen how the scenario shapes up in the next couple of days before the window is slammed shut.
