CELTIC HAVE BEEN tipped to complete a loan move for Everton right-back Jonjoe Kenny after appearing to lose out to Liverpool for Ben Davies.

Manager Neil Lennon expressed hope that a deal could be agreed with Preston defender Davies on Saturday, with the 25-year-old’s Deepdale contract due to expire in the summer.

But the PA news agency understands Liverpool and Preston have agreed a fee for Davies to move to Anfield ahead of Monday night’s deadline.

With Christopher Jullien out for several months and Shane Duffy again looking vulnerable during Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat by St Mirren, Lennon is 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 Kenny has emerged as a major target. The 23-year-old has made 48 appearances for Everton and spent last season as a regular on loan with Schalke.

French midfielder Olivier Ntcham has been linked with a loan move to Marseille in advance of a potential permanent summer move.