Exclusive: Nottingham Forest Table £20m Bid for Celtic Star Arne Engels on Deadline Day

Nottingham Forest have tabled an improved bid for Celtic’s Arne Engels, SportsBoom understands.

The Premier League side have already seen two bids turned down by the Scottish champions, with the second bid in the region of £17.5million.

But our sources have been told Forest are desperate to get a deal done on deadline day for the 22-year-old Belgian midfielder.

And the club have submitted a new bid in the region of £20million as they try to tempt the Hoops to part with one of their stars.

Celtic signed the Belgium international for £11million in 2024, but are expected to hold firm as interest intensifies over the player heading into the final hours of the window.

When asked about Forest’s initial approach, Celtic boss Martin O’Neill said: “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.”

Forest were also linked with a move for ex-Sheffield United midfielder Vini Souza last week as they explore options to bolster their midfield.

Rising Star

Celtic signed the player from Augsburg 18 months ago and he has impressed during his time north of the border.

RB Leipzig were interested in taking Engels, whose contract at Parkhead runs until 2028, back to Germany earlier in the window.

Engels enjoyed his most prolific season to date as he helped the Hoops to the league and League Cup double last term.

He bagged nine league goals, three times more than he had achieved din any previous campaign, in 34 appearances and has netted four times this season. 

Celtic are expecting a busy deadline day, with O’Neill targeting three additions to his squad as the interim boss chases the league title.