Preston North End defender Ben Davies could become a target for Leicester City, if the Foxes are unable to secure the signing of Jannick Vestergaard from Southampton, journalist Alan Nixon has claimed.

It was reported earlier this month that Leicester are targeting Vestergaard as they look to boost their defensive options, although it seems as though he is not the only option Brendan Rodgers' side are considering for that role.

According to Nixon's latest update, Leicester could make a move for Davies if they are unable to recruit Vestergaard from their Premier League rivals, although it appears as though a move from St Mary's to the King Power Stadium could still happen for the Dane.

Davies has enjoyed a hugely impressive season for North End this season, helping them launch another push for the Championship play-off places, which saw him linked with a number of Leicester's Premier League rivals - including Everton, Wolves, Brighton and Newcastle - earlier this season.

In total, Davies has made 112 senior appearances in all competitions for Preston since graduating from the club's academy back in 2013.

There are currently 18 months remaining on Davies' contract with Preston, securing his future at Deepdale until the end of next season.

The Verdict

This is probably a smart approach for Leicester to take.

While Vestergaard looks to be their priority, it is good for them to have an alternative in case that deal fails to come off, and Davies' performances this season suggest he too could be a useful option for the Foxes.

For that same reason, Preston themselves will surely be hoping that Leicester are able to secure the signature of the Southampton man sooner rather than later.

North End are still in with a chance of promotion themselves this season, and given how much more vulnerable their defence looked during Davies' injury-enforced absence earlier this season, he could well be key to those ambitions, meaning they are not going to want to lose him at any point in the next few days.