Celtic could be set for another blow as the transfer window enters its final day after Liverpool reportedly hijacked their move for Ben Davies.
Manager Neil Lennon expressed hope that a deal could be agreed with the Preston defender on Saturday with the 24-year-old's Deepdale contract due to expire in the summer.
But the English champions are believed to have made a shock move to sign the centre-back ahead of Monday night’s transfer deadline.
With Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez already sidelined, fellow central defender Joel Matip and first-choice back-up Fabinho recently joined the Liverpool injured list.
It is understood a £2m fee has been agreed with Preston for Davies. A medical is scheduled for Monday, with 19-year-old Dutchman Sepp Van Den Berg likely to head the other way on loan for the rest of the season.
Following Liverpool's 3-1 victory at West Ham, Reds' manager Jurgen Klopp refused to say whether Liverpool were interested in signing Davies, but admitted his side are looking for a centre-half before the deadline.
"We said our eyes are always open and if we can fix our problem then we will," he added.
With Christopher Jullien out for several months and Republic of Ireland defender Shane Duffy again looking vulnerable during Saturday's 2-1 home defeat by St Mirren, Lennon is also looking to strengthen his central defence.
The under-pressure Hoops boss is also seeking a right-back following Jeremie Frimpong's move to Bayer Leverkusen last week, and Celtic have been linked with a loan move for Everton’s Jonjoe Kenny.
