Ben Pearson has reportedly been a target for Celtic in these last few weeks. The midfielder is out of contract in the summer and Preston North End’s manager, Alex Neil, in now resigned to the fact Pearson has no intentions of extending his stay with the club.
The former Manchester United trainee has several clubs chasing his signature and it is thought Celtic is leading the chase. Speaking to Lancaster Live, Alex Neil said, “Listen, Ben would’ve been fit to be in the squad today, but we’ve signed some new lads that need to get minutes now.
“Ben has made it clear to us that his future doesn’t lie here come the end of the season.
“And, there is no point us going and strengthening positions and bringing players in if I’m not going to give them a shot and play them.”
Celtic made initial contact with Preston last month about the availability of Pearson and a pre contract route is preferable for the Hoops, but after Alex Neil’s interview they may be tempted to make a bid if a cut price deal is available and Preston would rather take some form of cash than lose their man for nothing in the summer .