Celtic have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Preston North End defender Ben Davies in the last 24 hours but he has multiple offers.

The centre-back is out of contract in the summer and has rejected a club-record offer for a new one, which is understood to have left the Lilywhites ready to sell him before the end of the window.

According to journalist Alan Nixon, Celtic have stepped up their pursuit of Davies in the last 24 hours as they look to secure his signature but they face competition as the player has multiple offers.

Old Firm rivals Rangers and Championship side Bournemouth have both been linked with the defender.

As they're not English sides and the player is in the final six months of his current deal, the Scottish clubs are able to sign him on a pre-contract for the summer - something it is understood the Hoops have offered him.

Celtic are also thought to have held talks over a move that would see the 25-year-old make this switch this month.

The central defender has been a mainstay in the Preston sides for the last few seasons and has remained a regular part of Alex Neil's XIs despite the current contract situation.

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The Verdict

With just a few days left of the January window, it's looking increasingly likely that Davies is going to secure a permanent move this month.

That will mean Preston get some compensation for the player and with their place in mid-table secure, that may be the more sensible move than holding onto him until he becomes a free agent in the summer.

Landing the 25-year-old looks a smart bit of business from Celtic, with the 2020/21 campaign illustrating that the club is in need of a rebuild.