Tottenham plot 'surprise' move to sign Celtic star
Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on Celtic star Arne Engels as they eye further midfield signigns, sources have told Football Insider.
The 22-year-old has excelled in Glasgow in recent years and has attracted high-profile interest from clubs across Europe including the Premier League's top sides.
Spurs are the latest club to join the race for the midfielder as Roberto De Zerbi continues to push forward with ambitious plans to bolster his squad this summer.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Tottenham's emerging interest has come as a "surprise", but cannot be ruled out.
This comes after Spurs spend a combined £185million on signing Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali from West Ham and Newcastle United respectively this summer.
However, De Zerbi is keen to further add to his midfield options alongside speculation that some of their current players could be allowed to move on.
Could Tottenham make a move to sign Arne Engels?
Football Insider revealed in April that Engels is interested in making a move away from Celtic this summer, with a number of European clubs plotting moves.
Tottenham's interest has come late in the day compared to their rivals, but having shown already this summer that they are prepared to spend big, a move could be on the cards.
While Spurs' midfield recruitment was expected to be finished, potential departures could force them back into the market, and Engels is now firmly on their shortlist.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "It's going to be hard for Celtic to keep hold of him this summer, despite rejecting an offer for him in January.
"Obviously, they've got more time to plan ahead in this summer transfer window. I'm sure Engels himself would be interested in the move away if a move to the Premier League comes up.
"For Tottenham, again, their interest has come as a surprise maybe in some respects. They've bolstered their midfield already with Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.
"So whether they see Engels joining that as well remains to be seen, but they are showing no signs of slowing down in the transfer market."
Which other clubs are interested in signing Engels?
Despite newly-emerging interest from Tottenham, they are far from alone in their pursuit, with Premier League rivals and clubs across Europe also keen on Engels.
The Belgium international has attracted interest from Bundesliga clubs including Borussia Dortmund, as well as rivals in Serie A and La Liga this summer.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 17 July that Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Fulham are all plotting moves to lure Engels away from Scottish football.
Celtic turned down a £25million offer during the January transfer window, but are expected to be more open to offers this summer, placing interested clubs on alert.
Forest were the club that made the mid-season move and could reignite that interest, while both Palace and Fulham are keen to put pressure on their rivals in their pursuit.