Nottingham Forest have launched their opening bid for Celtic’s Arne Engels, it is being reported.
As Transfer Deadline Day looms, the focus for Martin O’Neill’s side is currently on incomings rather than outgoings.
But nothing is guaranteed in the transfer window, and the Premier League club have now seemingly turned their attentions to the Belgian after ending their pursuit for Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi.
Engels has hit form since the return of O’Neill, and will be hoping to break back into Belgium’s squad ahead of the World Cup this summer.
But the timing of these bids is far from ideal, with the Hoops in the midst of a three-way title-race.
Can Celtic afford to sell Arne Engels?
Celtic midfielder Arne Engels.
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Nottingham Forest bid for Celtic’s Arne Engels
According to Sky Sports, Forest have made an offer of £14 million for the 22-year-old midfielder.
This would represent a slight profit on the £11 million fee paid by Celtic to Augsburg 18 months ago, which made him the club’s record signing.
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Celtic's Belgian midfielder #27 Arne Engels reacts during the UEFA Europa League league-stage football match between Celtic and Sturm Graz at Celtic Park
Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images
Forest are caught up in a relegation battle under Sean Dyche, enduring a significant drop-off after qualifying in the league’s European slots last season.
With set pieces back in vogue in the English top-flight, Engels’ dangerous set-piece delivery has clearly put him on the City Ground side’s radar.
But with so much animosity held among the Celtic support towards the club’s transfer business, the last-minute sale of a starting player would not go down well.
Engels would join Matt O’Riley, Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer to make the big-money move from Parkhead to down south in recent years.
And if he were to go, there would be serious doubts over whether a suitable replacement can be found in time by the Hoops’ makeshift recruitment department.
Engels has made 88 appearances for Celtic over his 18 months, scoring 15 goals. He was outlined by Brendan Rodgers as a signing geared towards Europe.
Can the club really afford to sell one of their biggest assets at a time as crucial as this?
Can Celtic afford to sell Arne Engels?
Celtic midfielder Arne Engels.
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
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