West Ham United are preparing an improved offer for Arne Engels despite Martin O’Neill urging Celtic not to sell the midfielder before their crucial Champions League qualifiers.
The Hammers have made the 22-year-old one of their priority midfield targets as Nuno Espírito Santo continues rebuilding his squad for a Championship promotion push.
Celtic have already rejected two approaches from West Ham, but The Scottish Sun reports that another improved bid is now expected.
Personal terms are understood to have already been agreed with Engels, leaving West Ham needing to find a fee Celtic are prepared to accept.
West Ham want Arne Engels deal done now
O’Neill would prefer Celtic to keep Engels until after their Champions League play-off against LASK Linz later this month.
Qualification is worth around £40million to the Scottish champions, making the Belgian an important player to retain for those fixtures.
However, West Ham do not appear willing to wait.
Celtic previously rejected a £25million offer from Nottingham Forest in January and remain in a strong negotiating position, with Engels under a long-term contract.
West Ham have received another financial boost after selling Freddie Potts to Club Brugge. ReadWestHam reported on Tuesday that the academy midfielder completed his permanent departure after 16 years at the club.
That deal was reportedly worth around £10million and could give the Hammers additional room to improve their offer for Engels.
Nuno needs midfield reinforcements following the departures of Potts and Mateus Fernandes, and Engels would provide Championship-ready physicality alongside considerable room for development.
Celtic understandably want him available for their biggest matches of the summer.
West Ham’s position appears equally clear: they want to secure Engels before those qualifiers are finished rather than risk allowing another club to enter the race.
