West Ham have been linked with a move for Celtic star Reo Hatate this summer, but they are also said to be interested in another Bhoys star. The Hoops are expecting to lose a few key players this summer, and they have already lost Daizen Maeda to Ipswich Town on a ÂŁ10million deal.
Hatate is also on the list of likely exitees, and he is joined by the pick of the bunch in Arne Engels, who is expected to go for big money, carrying a ÂŁ25million asklng price.
West Ham now considering Engels deal
While also carrying an interest in Hatate, West Ham are said to be pushing for a deal to sign Engels, even with the stiff competition. A number of Premier League sides have been linked, including Crystal Palace, while sides around Europe are also said to be interested.
West Ham are no longer a Premier League club following relegation last season, but according to one insider, Nuno Espirito Santo will try to convince Engels with the promise of a starting role.
Former Premier League scout Mick Brown told Football Insider: "Arne Engels is a good player and has a lot of clubs interested in him.
"I'm told he is somebody who West Ham have had a look at and he is very much on their radar, it's just a matter of whether or not they can beat their rivals to a deal.
"When there is interest from Premier League clubs and other clubs in Europe, it can be difficult to compete, but that's what West Ham will have to do.
"Nuno Espirito Santo will make promises about his role in the side, how many minutes he will play, and about their ambition to get promoted at the first time of asking.
"If he can sell the idea that they will be a Premier League club next season, and then achieve his goals when the season stars, then it might help him convince players.
"West Ham have the money because they've sold Fernandes for a big fee, and now they want to bring in a replacement, so signing Engels would make a lot of sense.
"They'll want to show some ambition and beating Premier League rivals to his signing would be a good show of that, it's just about whether or not they can pull it off."
West Ham have money to spend
As alluded to by Brown, West Ham sold Fernandes for ÂŁ85million this summer, while they sold Crysencio Summerville for ÂŁ60million, so the Hammers are not short of cash even after relegation.
Celtic will be aware of that, and they won't be handing out any kind of discount, given the level of interest in Engels. It's likely to be a case of ÂŁ25million or walk away, while Hatate is likely to cost around ÂŁ6million.
It remains to be seen whether the Hammers would go for both players, but there is no question over their ability to afford both deals.
Add us as a preferred source on Google