Celtic reject Engels bid and confirm Johnston interest
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has confirmed that the club rejected a bid from West Ham for midfielder Arne Engels and is dealing with interest from Everton regarding defender Alistair Johnston. The club is actively seeking replacements as they navigate potential departures.
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Transfer market activity significantly impacts team composition and competitive performance for professional football clubs.
Image source, SNS Image caption, Martin O'Neill hopes Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels (right) will be available for Monday's Scottish Premiership opener at home to Dundee
Celtic have rejected a West Ham approach for Arne Engels while Everton are keen on Alistair Johnston, manager Martin O'Neill has confirmed.
The West Ham bid for Belgium midfielder Engels, 22, "doesn't remotely meet our valuation", said O'Neill, who received a call from Everton counterpart David Moyes relating to Canada full-back Johnston, 27.
"Everton have been in contact," explained O'Neill. "I'm not sure whether there's been a bid in there for that one, but they've been in contact saying that there would be.
"In fairness, David Moyes did call me last week to say there would be contact."
Nottingham Forest failed with a February offer worth £25m for Engels, who moved to Celtic Park from Augsburg in August 2024.
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