Udinese and Genk have joined Celtic I showing interest in Ben Davies of Preston.
Celtic were first linked with the defender during the summer with their needs in that position heightened by the injury to Chris Jullien and form of Shane Duffy.
While Celtic have an advantage over English clubs in being able to offer a pre-contract deal Davies is now just a few months away from the end of his Preston deal after which he can go anywhere without any type of fee going to the Championship side.
Injury is a risk to the player but with 15 appearances to his name so far this season it seems that his stock is rising while his contract is running down.
Udinese are set to rival Celtic, Sheffield United, Bournemouth & Genk for Preston North End’s Ben Davies.
He was offered a new contract at PNE, but has not signed it. His current deal expires in the summer.
Udinese, Celtic & Genk can do pre-contracts.
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) January 5, 2021
Davies came through the ranks at Preston and is unlikely to be among their highest paid players with his last contract signed in March 2018 after a loan spell at Fleetwood.
With Nir Bitton suspended and Shane Duffy leaving Dubai to deal with a family issue Stephen Welsh and Hatem Abd Elhamed are the options to play alongside Kris Ajer against Hibs on Monday.
CLICK HERE for Davies Transfermarkt profile
