Celtic interest leaves West Ham under pressure to sign Ben Davies this week

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West Ham United have become the latest club to be linked with Ben Davies, with the Sunday Mirror (11/10; page 73) reporting over the weekend that the Preston North End centre-back is a key defensive target for David Moyes.

The Irons look set to be one of the most active Premier League sides in the coming days. As reported by the Guardian, they are close to signing Said Benrahma.

It was also suggested that Craig Dawson is expected to move to the London Stadium.

The Sunday Mirror (11/10; page 73) reported that Dawson was a key target, along with Davies. So it will be interesting to see whether they continue to pursue the 25-year-old.

But if they do want the Preston man, perhaps it would be fair to say that they are under pressure to make a move before the end of the week rather than wait until January.

That is because they are not the only side reportedly interested in Davies. The Sun recently suggested that Bournemouth and Celtic also want the defender.

It remains to be seen if any of the trio make a move this week. But should Davies remain at Deepdale beyond the deadline, Celtic will surely boast a clear advantage.

As noted by The Sun, the Hoops can discuss a pre-contract deal with the centre-back in January with his terms set to expire at the end of the season.

In fact, The Sun’s report suggested at the time that a Parkhead move was more likely than a switch to Bournemouth.

West Ham joining the race may throw a spanner in the works. But the Bhoys will be able to go straight into discussions with the player in January, while the Hammers would still need to agree a fee with his club.

So with that in mind, perhaps West Ham would be wise to make their move before Friday if he is indeed a key target for Moyes.