Lyon reject €8 million offer from Celtic for French midfielder

Celtic are believed to be on the verge of completing the signing of Arne Engels from FC Augsburg for a club-record transfer fee. The Hoops deserve credit for making an offer of that magnitude for the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder. Of course, it comes with an element of risk but at the same time, it is a statement of intent as well.

Engels is believed to be Celtic's number one target to replace Matt O'Riley. And if things go according to plan, he should be wearing the green-and-white jersey soon.

Engels is not the only midfielder that Celtic appear to have their eyes on before deadline day either. It has been suggested that the club want to sign two players to replace O'Riley. That is understandable, considering the Danish international had close to 40 goal contributions from the middle of the park last season.

Mateusz Bogusz of LAFC was heavily linked with a move to Celtic in recent days but that deal seems to be off. And now, it looks like another offer from the Hoops has been turned down as well.

Lyon reject €8 million offer from Celtic for French midfielder

As tweeted by Djamel, who has over 67 thousand followers, Celtic contacted Lyon by making a verbal offer, a loan with conditions that could make it obligatory for a sum of around €8 million. The French club refused the offer. Brendan Rodgers really likes the player but the Ligue 1 giants do not want to part ways with Mahamadou Diawara and are counting on him.

Diawara is 19 years of age. But he is already playing first-team football for Lyon. He has appeared for France at youth international levels as well.

It is very clear that he is very highly regarded, considering the offer Celtic are rumoured to have made to sign him. But a move does not seem to be on the cards.