Celtic have reportedly agreed to sell Arne Engels to West Ham for a fee in the region of £22million. The Belgium international has attracted interest from across Europe just months after Nottingham Forest saw a £25million bid booted out by the Scottish champions.
Hammers' Pursuit Intensifies
The Hammers firmed up their interest last month and despite having an initial bid booted out, the London club kept up their pursuit of the £11million Celtic midfielder. Reports last month suggested that a "verbal agreement" was already in place between Engels and West Ham as the midfielder waited for a fee to be ironed out.
Record Fee and Medical
Sky Sports report that a £22million fee has been agreed by the Scottish champions, which will see Engels break the Championship record transfer fee. The Hoops' star is set to undergo a medical in London. It is noted that Celtic had hoped to hold out for £25million, but with the player "pushing" for a deal, they have green lit the exit.
Replacement Targets Identified
The club are already adding to their midfield after bringing in Mika Baur from Paderborn. Torino's Gvidas Gineitis is also a target to replace Engels. Niko Sigur is back on the agenda, while Bosnia World Cup star Slovan Liberec star Ermin Mahmic has emerged as a target.
