West Ham United are reportedly ready to step up their pursuit of Arne Engels with a package that could reach £30million.
Celtic have resisted interest in the Belgian midfielder throughout the summer, but the Hammers are now said to be preparing an offer which would guarantee around £25m before significant bonuses.
Journalist Alan Nixon claims a promotion-related payment could take the overall value towards the £30m mark, which would represent a record sale for the Scottish champions.
Nixon said: “West Ham are going back with a new bid for Celtic midfielder Arne Engels – and will hit the £30 million mark.
“Hammers are trying to land Engels after weeks of talks and willing to spend around £25 million in guaranteed money with a heavy promotion bonus.
“Celtic may have to reluctantly accept although the Belgian has been in fine form so far. However, the money be too good for them and the wages will tempt the player.
“The Glasgow club have already set up a couple of replacements, both based in Europe.”
Celtic have already demonstrated their determination to keep Engels, having rejected a £25m approach from Nottingham Forest in February.
West Ham, however, now appear willing to guarantee a similar amount before bonuses are included, potentially leaving the Celtic board with a major decision.
The suggestion that Celtic have identified two possible replacements is also significant. Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis has been linked with the Hoops this summer, while Mika Baur is now closing in on a move to Glasgow.
With West Ham preparing to increase their offer, Celtic’s resolve over Engels could soon face its biggest test yet.
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1 Comment
Was potentially always going to be our biggest concern heading into a CL qualification process, with a CL campaign in mind imo?
Engels remains by far our best option as a partnership with calmac in our central midfield areas?
Yet we always knew that a potential new partnership was looming? But was hoping it could have been held off until after the CL qualification games?
Problem was always going to be, if our price value was met upon Engels, and he wants the move, then not to much we can really do about such a situation imo?
With more league campaigns getting ready to start now, the negotiation process really increases the speed factor for clubs wanting to get deals completed now?
Still thought a bigger club in a higher league, would have wanted Engels, but that didn’t really develop, which is a bit surprising?
Regardless, it still looking like a longshot, that we will have Engels available for the CL qualification games?
But don’t really think that any of our supporters really expected him to be part of our 25man European squad for the league phase anyway?
The timing might be inconvenient, but at least Baur is incoming to soften the blow. Hopefully another midfield option is added, as that week between the qualification games is going to be so important for ourselves, and getting us into shape for the remainder of this season imo?