Celtic are set to lose two stars to Everton and West Ham United this summer transfer window.
Two Celtic stars are nearing an exit from Parkhead - as Everton and West Ham United line up summer transfer deals.
Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels have been key players for the Premiership champions throughout their time in Glasgow. Right-back Johnston missed much of last term through a hamstring injury but showed his class en-route to league and Scottish Cup double joy alongside impressive World Cup performances with Canada. Big bids from Nottingham Forest over midfielder Engels were booted out in the winter but now an exit looks likely for both down south.
Everton is a move Johnston has told Celtic he is keen on while Engels’ switch to the English Championship with big-hitters West Ham United is expected. Reporting from the Daily Record states: “Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels are on the verge of checking out of Parkhead.
What two Celtic stars could be joining Everton and West Ham United?
“Boss Martin O’Neill is resigned to losing key men Engels and Johnston in the next few days. Record Sport understands Johnston is close to sealing a move to Everton in a deal worth up to £15m. The Canada star has told Celts he is keen on the switch to the Premier League outfit but the clubs are still in negotiations. It’s understood the Toffees are offering a package of around £12m up front plus add-ons, but the Hoops want more.
“The deal is expected to be thrashed out while West Ham are preparing to slap in an improved offer for Engels. The Championship big guns have already had two bids rejected as they fell way below Celtic’s valuation. The Hoops knocked back Nottingham Forest in January after an offer of £20m with up to £5m in bonuses and are looking for similar numbers from the Hammers. Engels is already down the line with personal terms and the switch is also expected to progress in the coming days.”
There has also been speculation over a move to Saudi Arabia for captain Callum McGregor but O’Neill says coaching talks for the future have been held with the skipper. He said: He had a good conversation with Michael, the CEO. It didn't need reiterating what we think of him here, his potential, and what he can do.
Celtic skipper Callum McGregorplaceholder image
Celtic skipper Callum McGregor | Getty Images
What is Callum McGregor’s Celtic future?
"Right about now, he should be starting to think about coaching badges, so there's always a role for him here. He's got a couple of years left to run on his contract and he by all accounts wants to stay, that's what he said to me. He's happy. If I was thinking at boardroom level, I'd be thinking something along those lines. It's too early for him to think about that, but he's definitely managerial material.
"There were some lads that have done well as managers that I had that you wouldn't have immediately thought that was the case, and there's other ones I thought would be terrific, and it didn't materialise. Is Callum a coach on the pitch? Very much so.”