There is some concerning news doing the rounds over Arne Engels amid the midfielder's likely departure this summer. It has already been a frustrating summer for Celtic, who are yet to get off the mark when it comes to summer business.
There is still plenty of time to do business, with a month until the start of the season and another month after that until the window closes, but Martin O'Neill will want the majority of new signings in by the start of the new season.
That is especially the case because a couple of big-name players are likely to leave, and they are not going to be easy to replace.
Engels is likely to leave Celtic this summer
Engels has been a standout player for Celtic, and still only 22 years of age, it is no surprise that there is plenty of interest in him again this summer. The Bhoys turned down big money for him in January, holding firm to make sure they maximise profits and protect their title bid, which ended up working out.
But given Engels' talent, it feels as though it is inevitable he will leave this summer, with plenty of clubs interested in the Belgian. Recent reports suggest Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace are among the interested clubs, and a number of European clubs are also said to be keeping a close eye,
Concerning Engels fee news
Coming into this summer, it was expected Celtic would hold out for £25million this summer, given they held firm back in January. But according to Siamo La Roma, Roma are in direct contact with Engels' representatives as they ponder a deal this summer.
They say Celtic would consider a deal between £17million to £21million this summer, even though they would prefer £25million. That would be a blow for the Bhoys, who will want to maximise their profit, given how good Engels is and the potential he has ahead of him.
Celtic are already said to have rejected a £25million in the past, so accepting a lower deal now would be a little baffling, even if there is likely to be the challenge of Engels asking for a move to be facilitated.
The best-case scenario for the Bhoys is, of course, a bidding war playing out, or at least a couple of teams submitting serious interest, which will give Celtic the leverage they need to get a bigger fee.
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