Nottingham Forest have become synonymous with transfer deadline day dealings, with today no different, given the movement ongoing at the City Ground.
The Reds have been prioritising moves for a new left-back, central midfielder and a new striker - with progress made on one deal in the last couple of hours.
A £2m fee has been agreed with Borussia Mönchengladbach for the signature of Luca Netz, who is currently undergoing a medical ahead of his transfer.
luca-netz-leeds-monchengladbach-transfer
Luca Netz
The 22-year-old will provide immediate cover in the left-back department after Neco Williams’ red card yesterday, with a four-and-a-half year deal on the table.
However, that is unlikely to be the end of the transfer activity at the City Ground, especially if the recent reports coming out of the club are to be believed at present.
Forest make late bid to land £25m star
Over the last couple of hours, Forest have made an approach to Championship side Middlesbrough over a potential deal to secure the signature of midfielder Hayden Hackney.
The Reds were prepared to make a move for the 23-year-old’s services before the window closes, but Kim Hellberg’s side completely rebuffed the deal and stated that he isn’t for sale.
Hayden Hackney Boro season in numbers 25-26
However, other targets are currently being considered by the hierarchy, with Celtic star Arne Engels once again emerging on their shortlist after previous interest.
According to Sky Sports, the Reds have now submitted a £25m offer to the Scottish Premiership club over a late move to land the Belgian international.
Sean Dyche’s side have already had two offers rejected for the 22-year-old in recent days, with a bid of around £17m being rejected by Martin O’Neil’s men.
However, it appears as though this latest offer has been rejected too, as per live reports on Sky Sports News, with such a bid undoubtedly getting slightly closer to the valuation set by the Scottish outfit.
Why Engels would be a better signing than Hackney for Forest
Given the moves that have been made in the last few hours, it’s clear that Forest have made the addition of a new midfielder a priority before the window slams shut.
Everton manager Sean Dyche before the match
Douglas Luiz was recalled by Juventus earlier in the window, subsequently returning to Aston Villa, which has left Dyche’s side short of options at the heart of the side.
A move for Hackney would have been a superb coup, given Manchester United’s interest, but it appears any move for the Englishman will have to wait until the summer.
As a result, other options are currently being considered by the hierarchy, with Engels just one of the players who’s currently in their sights before the window closes.
The Belgian international has thrived at Celtic Park in recent months, subsequently playing a key role in Celtic’s ability to qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League.
Arne-engels-celtic-champions-league
When comparing his stats to those of Hackney, the 22-year-old has massively outperformed him in numerous key areas, which highlights why he’d be a better addition.
Engels, who’s been dubbed “underrated” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has completed more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst creating more chances per 90.
The aforementioned figures highlight the added creativity he possesses, which could hand the first-team the added talent they are craving at the heart of the side.
He’s also created more big chances per 90, whilst completing more of the crosses he’s attempted, reaffirming the talent he possesses with the ball at his feet.
How Engels & Hackney compare in 2025/26
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Chances created
Big chances created
Dribble success
Touches in 18-yard box
Crosses completed
Stats via FotMob
However, without the ball, the Celtic talent has made more interceptions per 90, whilst also making more clearances, which could make him the perfect box-to-box option.
It remains to be seen whether the Reds will return with another offer, but it’s clear the hierarchy see the Belgian as a key addition before the window closes.
However, if they are to complete a move for his signature, they will have to act quickly, with less than two hours remaining of the winter transfer window.
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