According to the Daily Mail, Brentford and West Bromwich Albion have joined the race to sign Preston midfielder Ben Pearson.
It’s claimed that the Bees are considering a rather audacious move to sign Pearson as they look to push towards the Premier League.
It seems unlikely that Preston would sell to a Championship rival, but North End currently risk losing Pearson for absolutely nothing.
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Celtic have made contact about a pre-contract agreement according to Sky Sports, whilst the Mail’s report states that West Bromwich Albion are also keen.
Celtic can sign Pearson to a pre-contract deal inside the final six months of his Preston contract, but Brentford and West Brom cannot, given that they are fellow English clubs.
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That could make Celtic favourites, but Preston may also be willing to cash in to the highest bidder before the 26-year-old walks away for free.
Brentford do have cash to spend, whilst West Brom boss Sam Allardyce is desperate to bring in a new holding midfielder, meaning the Baggies now pose a major threat to Celtic’s hopes of a deal.
It seems very, very unlikely that Pearson will be staying at Preston, but whether he sees out the season or moves on this month remains to be seen, with more and more clubs joining the race for his signature.