Sources: Nottingham Forest poised to hijack West Ham deal
Nottingham Forest are well-placed to hijack West Ham United's move to sign Celtic star Arne Engels, sources have told Football Insider.
The 22-year-old has been a long-term target at the City Ground since they saw multiple offers rejected by Celtic in the closing stages of the January transfer window.
Oliver Glasner is aiming to strengthen in midfield this summer, and after West Ham saw two offers rejected by Celtic, Forest could be tempted to make a late move.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, it would be a surprise if Nottingham Forest didn't make a move for Engels in the coming weeks.
West Ham remain confident of getting a move over the line, with Celtic open to the Belgium international's exit, but the level of competition could become a problem.
Engels has admirers from a number of Premier League clubs alongisde Forest and West Ham, and despite Nuno Espirito Santo's side pushing, there are more twists to come.
Could Nottingham Forest make a move for Arne Engels?
Football Insider revealed last month that Nottingham Forest are one of three Premier League clubs eyeing a move for Engels as part of their attempts to strengthen their midfield.
Elliot Anderson's £116million move to Man City has forced Glasner's side into the transfer market, and there is now a growing feeling they could revisit their pursuit of Engels.
The Celtic midfielder is expected to move on this summer, with a move to English football increasingly likely, and West Ham could see their pursuit hijacked.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Obviously, the West Ham interest is there, and there's been a few offers for Engels, which so far Celtic have knocked back.
"I would be very surprised if Nottingham Forest do not come back in for him. Obviously they tried very hard to sign Engels in the January transfer window.
"Celtic were able to reject those offers because of how late in the window they came in for him, but that obviously isn't the case now.
"West Ham are trying to work quickly to try and get a deal wrapped up for Engels to ward off any potential interest or hijacks from some Premier League clubs as well.
"We know Forrest are admirers of Engels, they do have money in the bank from the sale of Anderson and I'm sure they'll be looking to add to their squad as soon as possible."
What is the latest on West Ham's pursuit of Engels?
Despite Nottingham Forest being tipped to step up their interest in Engels, West Ham are currently seen as the front-runners as negotitaions are ongoing behind the scenes.
The Hammers have made two offers for the 22-year-old, with the second and highest bid believed to have been in the region of £20million as they look to prise him away.
Football Insider revealed on 7 August that West Ham are expected to return with a new offer, but Celtic are holding out to land the biggest fee possible.
O'Neill is resigned to losing the Belgium international this summer, but is determined to drive his price tag up as any fee will likely be reinvested into the squad.
Celtic turned down offers as high as £25million during the January transfer window, and it may now take a fee above that number to secure his signature this summer.