Celtic are staring down a defining week in their season as they face a fresh fight to keep hold of Arne Engels. The Belgian has agreed personal terms with West Ham, and the Irons are back at the negotiating table to strike an agreement for the 22-year-old.
West Ham Return with New Bid
Celtic, who rejected Nottingham Forest's £25m offer for Engels in January, have rebuffed West Ham's opening offers. However, the Scottish Sun reports that West Ham are knocking on the door once more after landing £10m from Engels' former club Brugge for their homegrown star Freddie Potts.
Martin O'Neill wants Engels to remain for their crunch Champions League playoff clash with LASK. However, if the versatile midfielder exits, it would open the door to make moves for their long-term midfield targets.
Replacement Targets Identified
Torino star Gvidas Gineitis has been tracked for months and is viewed as an ideal replacement for Engels when an exit is rubber-stamped. Mika Baur offers a different profile and remains a key target, though Paderborn are playing hard ball despite the Germany U21 star desiring a switch to Glasgow's east end.
Reports in Italy insist Frosinone wants major money for Fares Ghedjemis, with a deal in excess of £12m being mooted for the electric Algerian winger. Celtic remain major admirers, as O'Neill coughed up last week, with Rangers also sweet on a player whose dazzling displays helped earn his side promotion to Serie A.
Ghedjemis Prefers Celtic
A report on Wednesday claims Ghedjemis would prefer a move to Celtic over their city rivals. But Frosinone, emboldened by their promotion to Italy's top league, appears in no rush to part with their biggest asset.
Paulo Bernardo's departure has further reduced midfield numbers. However, there is no update on Reo Hatate's immediate future, as the Japan international has made it clear he wants to leave this summer.
Clock Ticking
The moving pieces come amid Celtic working against a ticking clock - with the deadline to make signings for their Champions League showdown with LASK coming on August 13 - they can register up to two more up until 11pm on August 18.
