Preston obviously want to keep homegrown defender Ben Davies – but they face a real battle to keep hold of him.
The centre back is out of contract at the end of the season, with North End so far unable to tie him down to a new deal.
Rumours are now emerging about the 25-year-old moving on – so let’s dig into the latest…
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Neil Lennon comments
Celtic have been strongly linked with a move for Davies, despite the Bhoys adding Shane Duffy on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion earlier this month.
Lennon has told the Daily Record that rumours linking Davies with Celtic are ‘just speculation’ right now, refusing to really discuss Davies straight-up.
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Lennon wouldn’t show his hand with any names that he wants, which is what pretty much any manager would do.
“It is just speculation at the minute, if it is the right fit for the club and the team and the squad and it is within the financial budget then we will look to do that. In terms of names I can’t give you any at the minute,” he added.
Bournemouth interest
Bournemouth are pursuing a new centre back, and Davies’s ability as a ball-playing, left-footed defender makes him an ideal replacement for Nathan Ake.
Ake joined Manchester City for £41million earlier this summer, but we understand a £3million bid from the Cherries has been rejected.
The Sun now claim that Davies is actually more likely to sign a pre-contract agreement with Celtic in January than join Bournemouth, which would mean Preston get nothing for the defender.