Nottingham Forest are exploring a deal to sign Celtic star Arne Engels | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest want to sign Celtic attacker Arne Engels before the winter transfer window deadline on Monday, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill would love to hold on to the Belgian, but he could leave under the right conditions.

The Parkhead club have been linked with a late move for SC Freiburg forward Junior Adamu, but it is unknown whether it is connected with them preparing for Engels’ exit.

The 22-year-old still has two more years left on his contract, and the Hoops could wait until summer before sanctioning a sale.

However, Forest, owned by billionaire businessman Evangelos Marinakis, are desperate to bolster their attack. They have also been linked with Everton attacker Dwight McNeil.

The Toffees are unlikely to let him leave, and Forest could look to tempt Celtic into selling Engels.

The Belgian has bagged five goals and seven assists in 36 appearances this season, and losing him would be huge for O’Neill.

The opportunity to play Premier League football and boost his chances of going to the World Cup with his country could be too tempting for Engels to turn down.

A juicy bid could appeal to Celtic, but they must sign a replacement if they decide to let one of their most influential attackers leave midway through the season.

They are challenging Hearts and Rangers for the Scottish Premiership title. Nine points separate them from the league leaders, who have played a game more.