Celtic are poised to accept offers for midfielder Arne Engels even if they fall short of the £25 million Nottingham Forest tabled in January, Football Insider can reveal. With the Premiership side now 3rd on 67 points from 33 games and just three adrift of Hearts, Martin O’Neill’s side has freed up funds to bring in a replacement this summer.

What’s driving the move?

Celtic initially rejected Forest’s £25m offer in January because they lacked time to replace Engels. Now with a full window to act, the club has changed tack and is bracing for bids. Engels, 22, has starred in two seasons at Celtic Park and is keen on a move to a top European club.

Who wants Engels this summer?

Forest led the chase after multiple January bids were turned down, but they’ve been joined by Fulham, Crystal Palace, Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham. Spurs, fresh from spending £185m on Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, see Engels as a surprise Roberto De Zerbi target.

How much will Celtic take?

Celtic will consider offers below £25m, a price tag that could tempt more clubs. Any proceeds will be reinvested into the starting XI as O’Neill plots a late-summer rebuild. The Hoops sit third in the Premiership with 67 points from 33 games and a +24 goal difference.

What happens next?

Engels’ availability has placed Europe on alert, and Celtic will push for the highest possible fee. Their recent form reads LWWWW after Sporting CP beat them 4-1 on 14 July 2026.