It only feels like yesterday that it was transfer deadline day, but with the January window on the horizon, defending SPFL champions Celtic appear to be already plotting an interesting move...

What's the word?

According to Football Insider, the Hoops are working on a cut-price swoop for Preston North End defender Ben Davies, who is out of contract in the summer.

The Glasgow giants are able to tie him down to a pre-contract agreement in less than three months time, so the Parkhead hierarchy are keeping tabs on the situation.

It's claimed that the Bhoys are eyeing up a potential successor to Kristoffer Ajer should interested parties come back in for the 6 foot 6 colossus.

Bargain upgrade?

This has all the hallmarks of being an outstanding bargain for Celtic. The 25-year-old was valued at £10m by the Lilywhites throughout the summer transfer window yet he could be clinched for free.

Alex Neil has been desperate to keep his star man despite him entering the final months of his current deal, so much so that they even rejected a £5m offer from AFC Bournemouth before the deadline.

"The lad has really good pace, which for a centre-back is rare. He reads the game well and has the determination to get better," claims the PNE boss.

Davies has been integral to Preston over the past 18 months. This season, the 6 foot 1 speedster has averaged three aerials won, four clearances, 1.6 tackles and one interception per game, via WhoScored.

This is an improvement on what Hatem Abd Elhamed has been delivering for Neil Lennon in the Scottish Premiership this term, the Israeli international has only managed 1.2 aerials won, 1.3 clearances and 0.8 tackles each match.

The Lilywhites beast is even ahead of Ajer for tackles (1.5) and clearances (2.9) too, so perhaps he is indeed the best-suited replacement should the Norway man-mountain depart Parkhead anytime soon.

Even if he doesn't, Lennon's persistence to play three-at-the-back means there is a need for central defenders - against Rangers, youngster Stephen Walsh had to be called upon due to injuries and self-isolation circumstances.

The Scottish champions may have to wait until next summer to reap the rewards, but it's still a deal worth completing.

AND in other news, Lawwell blunder: Celtic will rue missing out on £10m "revelation" for a very long time...