CELTIC have made a Belgian wonderkid who came through the ranks under Philippe Clement one of their top targets this summer, it’s being reported.
The Hoops – who added goalkeepers Joe Hart and Viljami Sinisalo earlier in the window – have already added Paulo Bernardo from Benfica to their midfield department, with a fee agreed with Norwich for Adam Idah.
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But now, according to Football Transfers journalist Ronan Murphy, they’re poised to splash the cash on a highly rated young Bundesliga star.
That man is Belgian youth star Arne Engels, who spent last season hepling Augsburg finish 10th in the Bundesliga.
Still only 20, he’s already got 50 Bundesliga appearances under his belt – with three goals and nine assists.
He’s capable of playing anywhere across the midfield – initially starting off in a defensive midfield role before moving forward or even onto the wing.
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His versatility brought him to the attention of Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco, who called the midfielder up to his squad to train ahead of Euro 2024, although he didn’t make the final squad.
It’s claimed that the Bavarian club will definitely look to cash in on the star, who could cost anything between £6m and £10m.
Engels moved on to Augsburg from Club Brugge, where he was one of the most promising youngsters coming through the ranks at a time when Clement was top team boss.
Augsburg are not renowned as one of the big sellers in the Bundesliga, so cashing in on the star for a major transfer fee would be seen as a big coup.
The Hoops have lost Bosun Lawal from their midfield to Stoke recently while Daniel Kelly has agreed a pre-contract to join Millwall.
That’s after Brendan Rodgers froze the Hoops contract rebel out in pre-season when he refused to sign a new deal.
Rodgers said: “Daniel has been offered a really, really good contract.
“A contract that would see him come into the first-team squad and play and perform and develop.”
The future of first team star Matt O’Riley has yet to be settled, with Atalanta so far failing with numerous bids.
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