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Analysis
- 11 minutes ago
Martin O'Neill CONFIRMS Celtic transfer stance as improved offer submitted
Cameron Smith
- 2 Feb 2026 08:13 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Celtic boss Martin O’Neill has admitted that Nottingham Forest target Arne Engels will only be sold if an offer worth €115 million (£100m) is received.
The Belgium midfielder has emerged as a late target for Sean Dyche’s side before the end of the winter transfer window and they reportedly submitted an opening bid of just over €16m on Sunday in an attempt to lure Engels away from Celtic Park.
Current ETV
Arne Engels
M (C)
Celtic
Arne Engels
M (C)
Celtic
ETV Range
€11.1M - €13.5M
However, the Scottish giants quickly rejected Forest’s approach and O’Neill has insisted that Engels will not be sold unless a bombshell offer is lodged.
When asked about Nottingham Forest’s offer for Engels after Celtic’s 2-0 win over Falkirk on Sunday evening, O’Neill told reporters: “Honestly, I am telling you, I didn’t know anything about it.
“If they have done it, then they must have done it during the game. And I would want it rebuffed, unless it was £100million. Then I think the board would step in there. No, absolutely, I would rather keep him.”
Celtic reject fresh Arne Engels bid
Nottingham Forest have returned with an improved offer worth €20m, but this has also been turned down by Celtic officials, as per Sky Sports News. The Hoops have informed their Premier League counterparts that Engels isn’t for sale before the end of Deadline Day and a deal looks increasingly unlikely as a result.
RB Leipzig were also linked with a move for Engels earlier this window, however their interest has faded and he looks set to stay at Celtic Park until at least this summer.
The 22-year-old’s current contract at Celtic isn’t due to expire until 2028 and he remains an integral player for the Scottish side, having started 25 of the club’s 39 matches in all competitions this term.
In addition to retaining Engels, Celtic are set to complete the signings of Freiburg forward Junior Adamu and Lorient winger Joel Mvuka before the end of Deadline Day.
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