Arne Engels edging towards Celtic exit as West Ham lead race | OneFootball

Arne Engels is reportedly edging towards a summer exit from Celtic, with West Ham United emerging as the favourites to secure his signature.

The Belgian midfielder has attracted widespread interest throughout the transfer window, with clubs including Crystal Palace, AC Milan and Roma all credited with monitoring his situation.

Nottingham Forest were prepared to test Celtic’s resolve earlier this year, seeing a £25 million offer knocked back during the January transfer window.

However, it now looks as though West Ham are leading the race to land the 22-year-old ahead of the new campaign, despite the club’s relegation to the Championship.

Transfer journalist Matteo Moretto has reported that a deal to take Engels to the London Stadium is now close.

At this stage, there has been no indication of the transfer fee involved.

Given Forest’s failed January approach, Celtic would be expected to command a significant sum should they sanction the midfielder’s departure, with a figure north of £20 million likely to be sought.

West Ham appear to have moved ahead of several rivals, with both Sunderland and Fulham previously assessing the possibility of making an approach for the Belgium international.

The Championship club strengthened their recruitment department earlier this summer by appointing former Rangers recruitment chief Nils Koppen, who is understood to have maintained a close watch on talent north of the border.