West Ham are now said to be ramping up their efforts to sign Celtic midfielder Arne Engels. Engels has been the subject of interest from the Hammers this week amid the expectation he will complete a big-money move to the South at some stage this summer.
Engels is valued at around £25million having commanded an offer worth that much from Nottingham Forest in January, but West Ham have now shown a willingness to pay it just yet.
That's despite the Hammers selling Mateus Fernandes for £85million and Crysencio Summerville for another £60million this summer. But the Iron are not giving up, and more offers are expected.
West Ham ready to ramp up Engels efforts
According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, West Ham will keep pushing ahead with their bid to land Engels.
"West Ham United are stepping up their pursuit of Arne Engels and have already submitted two offers," he posted on X. "So far, no agreement has been reached with Celtic. As reported, Engels has already reached a verbal agreement with West Ham on a contract until 2031 and is now waiting for the clubs to agree".
Engels started for Celtic in their season-opener against Dundee on Monday night, and many will have been wondering whether it was his last game for the club. In truth, the Bhoys could do with keeping hold of him until they have played LASK in the Champions League playoffs, but that may be out of their hands if the right offer arrives.
The trouble for Celtic is that they are not going to be spending £25million on a replacement for Engels, and it's more likely they replace the Belgian by committee. The Bhoys have also struggled to strike deals in general this summer, so fans will naturally be concerned that Engels will leave and replacements won't be found, at least not quickly, and with those qualifying games just around the corner.
What O'Neill has said about Engels exit
Speaking this week, O'Neill said West Ham's initial advances didn't 'remotely meet' what Celtic are looking for to sell.
He added: "It’s difficult to stop people if their ambition is to play in a big, big league. West Ham have been relegated, but obviously enhance their financial situation. Those things are difficult (to contend with for Celtic).
“Our job is to try and keep them, try and do our best to keep them. If that’s not possible, naturally we’ll have to try and get replacements in. To replace those players would be a difficult task.”
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