Celtic Stand Firm on Arne Engels Amid Nottingham Forest Interest
Celtic have emphatically rejected a £14 million bid from Premier League side Nottingham Forest for Belgian international midfielder Arne Engels. The offer arrived swiftly following Celtic's 2-0 victory over Falkirk at Celtic Park, a result that propelled the Glasgow club into second place in the Scottish Premiership, ahead of rivals Rangers on goal difference.
Manager Martin O'Neill was unequivocal in his response, stating the club's determination to retain the services of the 24-year-old, who was signed for £11 million in 2024. 'Honestly, I am telling you, I didn't know anything about it,' O'Neill remarked when questioned about Forest's approach. 'If they have done it, then they must have done it during the game. And I would want it rebuffed, unless it was £100 million. Then I think the board would step in there. No, absolutely, I would rather keep him.'
Busy Deadline Day Looms with Multiple Incomings Expected
With the transfer window set to close, Celtic are preparing for a potentially hectic final day. The club anticipates that Nottingham Forest may return with an improved offer for Engels before the deadline passes. Simultaneously, O'Neill has revealed that Celtic are on the verge of completing two significant signings to strengthen their squad for the title run-in.
Deals for Freiburg striker Junior Adamu and Lorient winger Joel Mvuka are reportedly at an advanced stage, pending the completion of medical examinations. 'Yeah, I think they've either done their medicals or are about to do them, so that helps us a little bit,' confirmed O'Neill. The manager highlighted the specific qualities each player would bring, noting Adamu's ability to hold up the ball and Mvuka's pace.
Furthermore, Daily Mail Sport understands that Celtic remain active in the market for an additional centre-back. This potential acquisition could influence the future of defender Stephen Welsh, who has been linked with a loan return to Motherwell.
Victory Over Falkirk Provides Platform Amid Transfer Speculation
The backdrop to this transfer activity was a hard-fought 2-0 home win against Falkirk. The match saw new loan signing Tomas Cvancara mark his home debut with a headed opening goal, before Benjamin Nygren secured the points with a second-half strike. The victory was particularly welcome given the physical demands of a Europa League fixture against Utrecht just days prior.
O'Neill praised his team's resilience and singled out Cvancara's contribution. 'It was great and it was the breakthrough for us as well, too, which was needed,' he said. 'That's nice for him and it'll give him a really big boost of confidence... He's wanting to prove himself - and I think there's a player there.'
The result leaves both Celtic and Rangers six points adrift of league leaders Hearts, setting the stage for a compelling second half of the season. As the clock ticks down to the transfer deadline, O'Neill hinted at the possibility of further business, stating, 'You never know, there might be something else before Monday evening at 11 o'clock.' The Celtic boss will undoubtedly be hoping to conclude a successful day of negotiations to bolster his squad's challenge for domestic honours.
