Exclusive: Celtic will ‘definitely’ accept summer offer that’s lower than Nottingham Forest’s January bid
Nottingham Forest may be able to agree a deal for Celtic star Arne Engels for a lower fee than they offered on transfer deadline day.
Forest made three bids for the 22-year-old on deadline day, the largest of which would have equalled the Scottish record sale previously set by Jota and Kieran Tierney.
That came after Football Insider revealed last month that Celtic would not accept offers for Engels in January as he remains a big part of O’Neill’s plans.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Celtic could accept offers lower than £25million in the summer window.
This has placed a number of potential Premier League suitors on alert, but Forest remain the front-runners as their long-term interest is most advanced.
Celtic could accept cut-price Arne Engels offer
Football Insider revealed that Celtic would have sold Engels to Forest had the £25million offer arrived earlier in the window rather than on deadline day.
Instead, they turned down their advances because it left them with no time to find a replacement and he remains a big part of their plans for the season.
That could open the door to his departure in the summer when the Hoops will have more time to source his replacement and with a new manager in charge.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Martin O’Neill couldn’t afford to let Engels go, he was desperate to keep him and that’s why that big money offer was turned down.
“If something like that was to return in the summer, I’m sure it’s definitely something Celtic would look at.
“I don’t think it’ll get anywhere near what Forrest offered in January because they were desperate for a midfielder as well.
“But if there’s clubs there, looking at Engels and I think it’s more realistic possibility that he could leave in the summer.
“Celtic would be making a big profit on him and then they would have time in the summer window to properly replace him.”
Nottingham Forest line up new Engels offer
While a number of Premier League clubs are believed to be keeping tabs on the Celtic star, Nottingham Forest remains the favourites for his signature.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 5 February that Forest scouts will watch Engels to see how he performs until the end of the season.
O’Neill’s side are hunting the Scottish Premiership title and hope Engels will play a key role in their efforts to retain the title as last season’s winners.
However, regardless of whether they achieve their aim of pipping Hearts and Rangers to the league title, it could be difficult to keep hold of the midfielder.
Should they return with an offer of similar or even increased value come the end of the season, Celtic may have no choice but to let him move on.
For more Celtic and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.