West Ham United have indeed, it seems, made their bid for a replacement for Mateus Fernandes with just three weeks left ahead of the season opener on 18th August. As Claret and Hugh first covered earlier this month, the Irons have followed former Rangers head of recruitment Nils Koppen’s lead and headed north of the border.
According to ex-WHUEmployee :
‘West Ham have submitted a bid to sign Celtic midfielder Arne Engels”
West Ham are in negotiation for Celtic’s midfielder
A name that has cropped up repeatedly this summer, Engels is one of the Irons’ top midfield targets: Whilst a first bid was rejected it appears talks for the player continue in what Hammers fans will hope become successful negotiations to add to the squad depth following Fernandes’ departure for Tottenham last month.
“At the moment Celtic have turned them down but the figures are not thought to be too far away in value. West Ham will continue to work on the deal but will not be pushed into over paying for the midfielder or any other player like they have done in the past.” (Thewesthamway.com)
The 22 year old Belgian international is reported to be in the region of £15-£20 million (transfermarkt) and has become renown for a high energy style, known for his exceptional passing range, set-piece delivery, and tactical intelligence. When Celtic signed him he was deemed a ‘Champions League’ quality player: Whether the Hammers can convince him to step into the second tier of English football will become evident in the next few days.
Wages he is on at Celtic would be inferior even in the championship as for European football well he has been their long enough to no Celtic will not win so as long as we put in a sensible bid we can get the player hopefully.
Look he’s decent enough and has plenty of time to develop with us . Let’s get it done. Don’t ffs low ball then ⚒