Celtic are going to have to make a big decision over versatile midfielder Arne Engels this summer after managing to keep hold of him during the winter window
Nottingham Forest gave everything they had to try to lure Engels South, but Celtic held firm despite a bid reportedly reaching as high as ÂŁ25million. This summer, the Bhoys may have to sell, with Engels likely wanting to take his chance to land a big move, although there appears to be a number of clubs lining up for his signature.
Friendly Engels advantage
According to reports from Sky Sports, along with Nottingham Forest, Fulham and Sunderland are all interested in Engels this summer, but the interest does not end there.
AC Milan, Lazio and RB Leipzig are also credited with an interest, and the former may have just been handed an inside track to negotiations. Celtic have just confirmed a friendly against the Italian club at Parkhead, and while that is not going to get the Italians even the slightest of discount, it could be meaningful when it comes to negotiations.
Clearly, the clubs have already been speaking in regards to the friendly itself, and it is likely they are good terms as a result. That could create a path to further talks, and it could give Milan the chance to have face-to-face talks come the time of the friendly, which is an opportunity other transfer rivals may not have a chance to get.
Engels will also get the opportunity to impress the Italian club in person, and indeed the Italian giant's new manager, which appears likely to be soon to be former Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner.
It may only be a slight advantage as far as Milan are concerned, but if they are serious about a deal, they will need it, given they will be rivalling the typically higher-paying Premier League outfits.
Milan are likely to invest significantly in their squad this summer, though, with the club making big chances in the wake of missing out on Champions League football. The manager and three directors were sacked as a consequence, and the new manager, whether it is Glasner or another, is likely to get significant cash to turn things around.
Engels could form part of that, but one thing is for certain, Celtic are in a fine position to cash in big this summer due to the level of interest their star midfielder is attracting.
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