GOOD NEWS;Arne Engels tells friends he wants to join Celtic

Augsburg midfielder Arne Engels has told friends he wants to join Celtic this summer, sources have revealed to Football Insider.

The Hoops have opened preliminary talks over a deal for the 20-year-old and are now preparing to formalise their interest.

Celtic are in the market to sign a replacement for Matt O’Riley, who is expected to leave the club before the transfer window closes on 30 August.

Football Insider revealed that Celtic are willing to accept offers of £25million for O’Riley, and have come to terms with the fact they will likely lose him this month.

French outfit Rennes are also keen on making a move for Engels, but it is understood he would prefer a move to Celtic to play in the Champions League.

Celtic want to land Arne Engels deal as Matt O’Riley exit draws closer

Engels made the move to Augsburg from Belgium’s Club NXT – Club Brugge’s reserve side – in January 2023 for a fee below £100,000, and his value has rocketed in a year and a half in Germany.

The midfielder has established himself as a key player for Augsburg and one of the brightest talents in the Bundesliga since making the switch.

Last season, he made 33 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing five assists from midfield as he helped his club to an 11th-placed finish.

Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco invited Engels to train with the senior international side during their Euro 2024 preparations in a display of how highly he is regarded.

Aged just 20, he has also shown versatility in his game by filling in at both right-back and right-midfield, which is seen as a valuable asset for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

O’Riley, meanwhile, has attracted interest from some of Europe’s top sides, including Europa League winners Atalanta, and is expected to depart Parkhead this month.