Celic’s reported pre-contract capture of Preston North End’s Ben Davies has been one of many significant stories around Paradise in the last week; and with the current season already looking incredibly shambolic, Neil Lennon’s men are somewhat looking to fix their tumultuous campaign by bringing the Barrow-born defender in six months early.
With various news outlets such as Sky Sports and The Glasgow Times reporting a deal had been done to sign the centre-back on a Bosman from the Lilywhites, it seemed to ever so slightly reprieve the misdemeanours of the Celtic board. For once, they had acted decisively and completed a deal for a player who has excelled for well over four years in England’s second tier – although recently these reports have been downplayed.
With Christopher Jullien out injured for the remainder of the season, Lennon is currently down to bare bones in the defensive department – meaning reinforcements are desperately needed in the East End of Glasgow. And, as is with a lot of Celtic news this year, there is always something terrible waiting around the corner; in this instance, Bournemouth were the bearers of bad news as they are reported to be willing to pay a fee for Davies’ instant services, as opposed to Celtic snapping him up over the summer.
Of course, Celtic currently hold the floor in this situation; Bournemouth, as an English team, are not allowed to agree a pre-contract with Davies until the end of May – whereas Celtic were allowed to from January 1st. Although, the kicker is that if Bournemouth are willing to pay a fee, then Davies is more than likely to make the move down to the south English coast with Bournemouth hot on the trail of the automatic promotion spots back to the Premier League. The Cherries have already dealt the Hoops’ a blow with the signing of long-term Bhoys’ target Ben Pearson edging ever closer, and the decimated Celtic board will look to quash their double signing.
Although, according to The Scottish Sun, Celtic are looking to stave off the interest shown by the Cherries by offering a fee themselves – and with the lure of almost guaranteed European football on the table, it would certainly be a hard move for Davies to turn down.
With experienced defenders not exactly proving their worth in Celtic shirts this season – yes, Shane Duffy, we’re looking at you – some younger blood may be needed, and with Davies already making 135 league appearances for North End at the age of just 25, he may just bring both of those qualities.
