Preston reportedly offer significant deal to Celtic target Ben Davies

Preston North End have a host of players out of contract next summer – and are now fighting to keep them.

Ben Davies, Alan Browne, Ben Pearson and Daniel Johnson have been branded ‘the big four’ at Deepdale, with fans understanding their immense quality at Championship level.

Keeping all four will be almost impossible given the admiring glances their way, but the Lancashire Evening Post now claim that ‘significant’ offers have been made to keep all four.

Yesterday, we took a look at Daniel Johnson’s situation amid interest from Rangers – and today we’ll assess Ben Davies’s future with the other side of the Old Firm keen.

The Sun reported in September that Davies looked most likely to sign a pre-contract agreement with Celtic come January, with the Bhoys able to offer him a deal.

Shane Duffy’s struggles at Parkhead may make such a move more likely, whilst Kristoffer Ajer’s future is unclear, with Davies a potential target to replace one of them.

Celtic face a real battle though, as The Sun on Sunday (25/10, p61) reported that Davies is edging towards signing for a Bundesliga side as a free agent next summer, with Bayer Leverkusen and Schalke thought to be keen.

Having come up through the Preston ranks, North End will be desperate to keep Davies, but few could blame him if he’s tempted away.

Celtic are a huge club, chasing titles and playing in Europe, whilst Leverkusen and Schalke both have extensive history in European competitions, and all three can offer more money than North End can.

Preston have to hope that the 25-year-old’s affinity with the club plays a part in his decision, but it looks like being an uphill battle.

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