A Chelsea talent has visited Lennoxtown ahead of a possible transfer move to Celtic - as West Ham United look to seal a deal for Arne Engels.
The Premiership champions have upgraded their attack with Kasper Hogh, Camillo Duran and Haissem Hassan but left-back cover is now being sought. Landon Emenalo is a highly-rated star at Chelsea and the Premier League heavyweight are assessing options for further first team exposure after featuring in pre-season matches for Xabi Alonso’s team from Stamford Bridge.
A deal for Marcelo Saracchi did not go through and former Celtic star Greg Taylor is open to returning a year after leaving for PAOK in Greece, however, it’s Emenalo who’s been at the club’s training ground. Kieran Tierney is the only senior left-back at the Parkhead side currently.
What Chelsea talent could sign for Celtic this summer transfer window?
Sky Sports claim: “Celtic have expressed an interest in Chelsea left-back Landon Emenalo. It’s understood the 18-year-old is one of a number of potential loan targets the Scottish champions are assessing to provide cover for Kieran Tierney. While Celtic are looking to loan a left-back, they haven’t completely ruled out the possibility of a permanent signing for this position.
“PAOK left-back Greg Taylor is said to be open to a return to the club - just a year after leaving for Greece. However, at this stage, it’s understood no contact has been made. Celtic want another left-back in to job-share the role with Tierney - similar to what Marcelo Saracchi did on loan from Boca Juniors last season. He has been Glasgow on Wednesday to hold talks and view the facilities at Celtic Park and their Lennoxtown training ground.
Meanwhile, West Ham United are ready to splash a bank-breaking £30m on midfielder Engels. The Belgian international has had a strong start to the season with the Hoops amid continued speculation with the Hammers who are willing to spend big in order to obtain an immediate Premier League return. Celtic have been standing firm on their valuation but West Ham are now willing to give in and pay up for Engels.
Celtic midfielder Arne Engels is wanted by West Ham.placeholder image
Celtic midfielder Arne Engels is wanted by West Ham. | Sportsfile via Getty Images
How much will West Ham United pay for Arne Engels?
In what would be one of the highest fees Celtic have ever received for a star, transfer guru Alan Nixon said: “West Ham are going back with a new bid for Celtic midfielder Arne Engels - and will hit the £30 million mark. Hammers are trying to land Engels after weeks of talks and willing to spend around £25 million in guaranteed money with a heavy promotion bonus.
“Celtic may have to reluctantly accept although the Belgian has been in fine form so far. However the money be too good for them - and the wages will tempt the player. The Glasgow club have already set up a couple of replacements, both based in Europe.”