Celtic may have reason to worry after their Champions League exit in midweek, which is why Nick Hammond is acting quickly in the transfer market...

What's the word?

According to Football Insider, the Scottish champions are eyeing up a move for Preston North End centre-back Ben Davies as a potential replacement for Kristoffer Ajer.

It's claimed that doubts are growing over the future of the Norweigan colossus at Parkhead as he's thought to be one of the stars who want an exit this summer.

Davies, who is entering the final year of his contract at Deepdale, is seen as an ideal successor and whilst it remains to be seen how much the 25-year-old could cost, he was linked with a £10m move back in January.

Bye-bye Ajer?

Ajer returned to the starting XI in midweek but was surprisingly left on the bench for the Bhoys' matches against KR Reykjavik and Dundee United.

And now his representatives have reportedly asked the Celtic hierarchy for their valuation which could see him depart Scotland this summer, as per the Glasgow Times.

Davies would be an interesting successor to the Hoops giant as he's not quite as imposing in height but has still been a rock for the Championship outfit this term, where he has averaged 4.5 clearances, 3.2 aerial duels won and 0.9 tackles per game, via WhoScored.

It's led to his Lilywhites boss Alex Neil lauding him as a defender with "really good pace," adding that he also "reads the game well and has the determination to get better".

This all spells good news for Lennon, who is seemingly going to need a new option at the back sooner rather than later - and it's not like it wasn't coming as Ajer has been courted by AC Milan, Arsenal and West Brom in recent months.

Perhaps Davies would be a most welcome addition at Celtic Park.

AND in other news, Neil Lennon has to unleash "special" Celtic sensation...