Celtic's new stance on Arne Engels exit revealed by insider after Nottingham Forest bid
Celtic are set to entertain offers for Arne Engels this summer despite turning down multiple big-money offers in January.
Nottingham Forest saw a £25million offer for the 22-year-old rejected by the Hoops as they planned for him to remain a crucial part of their side late in the season.
That decision paid off as Martin O'Neill led his side to the SPFL title and Scottish Cup, but there is now a feeling he could be allowed to move on.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Celtic could be tempted to cash in on Engels should the right offer arrive.
Clubs across Europe including in the Premier League have been keeping a close eye on the midfielder's progress at Parkhead and could be tempted to step up their interest.
While any deal would have to work for Celtic as well as the midfielder and the buying club, they are now no longer likely to stand in his way and block a move.
Could Celtic accept offers for Arne Engels?
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in April that Engels is edging closer to leaving Celtic in a big-money move amid growing interest.
His performances for Celtic have grabbed the attention of a number of European clubs who are now prepared to lure him away from the Scottish champions.
Celtic, meanwhile, believe that if they get a respectable fee for Engels, it will allow them to use the funds to bolster their squad in key areas.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Obviously, the timing is better for any potential move for Arne Engels.
"That move from Nottingham Forest came late in the January transfer window and Celtic couldn't really afford it because of the situation they were in, they were short of numbers.
"So they didn't want to let Arne Engels go, and his impact in the final third of the season when he came back from injury was clear, he played a key role in Celtic winning the league.
"But I'm sure there will be more interest in Engels this summer as well.
"Celtic will be holding out to try and get the biggest fee they can for Arne Engels and then allow them to maybe spend money on their own transfer targets as well."
Which clubs are interested in signing Engels?
As previously mentioned, Engels' perfrormances for Celtic have attracted interest from clubs across Europe, with a number of clubs having sent scouts to track him.
Premier League clubs including Nottingham Forest, who previously saw an offer rejected, and Crystal Palace are the most recent to have shown an interest.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed in April that Borussia Dortmund have joined the race to sign the midfielder and believe they could tempt him back to Germany.
Engels joined Celtic from Bundesliga side Augsburg in 2024, and could be tempted to return to the German top division to play European football with Dortmund.
The money on offer in the Premier League is also expected to appeal to the 22-year-old, who will have to make a firm decision on his future should any clubs formalise their interest.