West Ham United in talks to sign Celtic midfielder Arne Engels | OneFootball

West Ham United are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Celtic midfielder Arne Engels.

Engels has emerged as a top target for the Hammers after winning the Scottish Premiership title last term.

The 22-year-old Belgium international can also play at right-back and on the wings.

Premier League clubs are also monitoring the former FC Augsburg midfielder.

Nottingham Forest had a £25 million bid rejected for Engels on transfer deadline day in February.

The Hammers target has bagged 17 goals and 21 assists in 98 appearances for Celtic.

Engels has what it takes to hit the ground running in the Championship given his quality and wealth of experience.

Manager Nuno Espirito Santo needs quality players to boost West Ham’s chances of securing Premier League promotion and the Belgian fits the bill.

The midfielder is a brilliant passer who knows how to deliver the perfect set-pieces, and he has what it takes to improve the Hammers’ squad.

Celtic want around £25m for Engels, but may have reached a compromise with West Ham given that talks have progressed quickly in recent days.

West Ham have yet to add any new players to their squad this summer, and the Belgian could become their first arrival.