Celtic have reportedly been given the "green light" to snare Ben Pearson from Preston North End after the former Manchester United trainee made it clear he would not sign an extended deal at the club.
The 26-year-old has allegedly been a long-term target for the Parkhead side, who initiated contact over a pre-contract agreement earlier this month.
The Deepdale side had hoped Pearson, alongside one-time Rangers target Daniel Johnson, would be among a clutch of players to commit to new contracts with the Lancashire side.
However manager Alex Neil admitted those negotiations had broken down and left the midfielder out of the squad for the 2-0 defeat to Bristol City on Saturday.
Speaking after the final whistle, he told LancsLive: "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."
North End could seek to cash in on the midfielder this month rather than lose him on a free when his contract expires in June, when Celtic will look to secure a transfer.
Pearson has made more than 150 appearances for North End since arriving from United in 2015, but an injury has kept him out of the squad since December.
New signing Ben Whiteman started alongside captain Alan Browne for the defeat at Ashton Gate, which leaves Neil's side 12th in the Championship.
Second tier high flyers Brentford and Premier League outfit West Bromwich Albion are also thought to be interested in a move..
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