Celtic reject Nottingham Forest approach for Arne Engels | OneFootball

Celtic have rejected a £17m bid from Nottingham Forest for midfielder Arne Engels (22), BBC Sport has reported.

Forest had already seen an opening offer of around £14m turned down for the 22-year-old, before returning with an improved bid that was again dismissed by the Scottish champions. Celtic are understood to value Engels significantly higher, having no intention of weakening their squad midway through the season.

Engels joined Celtic from Augsburg for £11m in August 2024 and has quickly become an important figure at Parkhead. He has made 89 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals this season, and played a prominent role as Celtic lifted both the Scottish Premiership and League Cup last term.

Interim manager Martin O’Neill played down knowledge of Forest’s interest following Sunday’s 2-0 win over Falkirk, but was clear on his stance when the matter was put to him.

“I would want it rebuffed, unless it was £100m,” O’Neill said. “I would rather keep him.”

Both clubs remain active on the European stage, with Celtic and Forest set to compete in the Europa League play-offs later this month. O’Neill also revealed Celtic are close to completing two new signings, as his side look to close the six-point gap on Premiership leaders Heart of Midlothian, while Forest continue their battle to climb away from the Premier League’s lower reaches.

GFN | Finn Entwistle