PRESTON defender Ben Davies has finalised terms on a pre-contract deal that will see the defender move to Celtic at the end of the season, according to reports.

The 25-year-old has been on the Parkhead club's radar for some time and with his current contract set to run out in less than six months, Davies has been free to talk to other clubs about a move.

Glasgow Times:

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According to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, Davies has now put pen to paper and agreed to join the club in the summer.

Celtic could be tempted to push forward the deal and bring him to Glasgow this month, though, after Christopher Jullien picked up an injury that will keep him sidelined for months and Jeremie Frimpong was sold to Bayer Leverkusen.

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Kristoffer Ajer started at right-back against Hamilton on Wednesday night and is expected to stay there in Frimpong's absence, leaving on-loan Brighton defender Shane Duffy and Nir Bitton as the club's first-choice centre-backs.

Davies - who can play at centre-back and left-back - came through the youth system at Preston and had loan spells at York City, Tranmere Rovers, Southport, Newport County and Fleetwood Town before breaking into the Championship side.

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His manager at Deepdale, Alex Neil, is among the bookies' favourites to replace Neil Lennon as Celtic manager, should the club's heirarchy decide a change in approach is required.

Dundee midfielder Charlie Adam recently hailed Davies as one of the best defenders in the Championship - and reckons the Englishman will be a savvy addition for the Premiership champions.

Speaking on Wednesday, Adam told PLZ Soccer: "This would be a good signing for Celtic. I'd say he is one of the best at his position in the Championship.

Glasgow Times:

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"Left-sider, quick, good size. I remember seeing him on loan at Fleetwood a few years ago. He played 20 odd games there and went back to Preston who were going to get rid of him.

"Alex Neil came in that summer and Fleetwood had agreed a deal to take him back. He wanted to go back to Fleetwood because he enjoyed it that much.

"But Alex Neil saw him in pre-season and said 'you're going nowhere' and gave him a new contract. Now he's played over 100 games for Preston. For me, if Celtic can get that over the line, that will be a good signing."