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Celtic Scottish Premiership Transfers

Celtic Reject Improved £17m Nottingham Forest Bid for Arne Engels as Martin O’Neill Sets ‘£100m’ Price Tag

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CELTIC have officially knocked back a second, improved offer from Nottingham Forest for Belgian midfielder Arne Engels as the January transfer window enters its final hours. The Premier League side returned with a bid of approximately £17.3 million (€20m) on Monday morning, following the rejection of an initial £14 million proposal on Sunday. However, the Parkhead board has stood firm, mirroring the defiant stance of interim manager Martin O’Neill. Engels, who joined the Hoops for a club-record £11 million from Augsburg in August 2024, has become a vital cog in the Celtic machine, making nearly 90 appearances and securing a domestic double in his debut season. Despite the lure of a healthy profit, Celtic appear determined to keep their prize asset for the run-in. “I’d Want it Rebuffed” Speaking after Celtic’s 2-0 victory over Falkirk on Sunday—where goals from Tomas Cvancara and Benjamin Nygren secured the points—O’Neill was unequivocal about the player’s value to his squad. “Honestly, I am telling you, I didn’t know anything about it,” O’Neill said regarding the initial Forest interest. “If they have [bid], then they must have done it during the game. And I would want it rebuffed, unless it was £100m.” The veteran manager, currently in his second interim spell following the recent departure of Wilfried Nancy, added: “Then I think the board would step in there. No, absolutely, I would rather keep him.” Title Race and European Ambitions The decision to retain Engels comes at a critical juncture. Celtic currently sit six points behind leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership and have a massive Europa League play-off tie against VfB Stuttgart looming this month. Losing a key midfield presence like the 22-year-old Belgian international would be a significant blow to O’Neill’s hopes of chasing down the Jambos. While Forest, currently 17th in the Premier League under Sean Dyche, may yet test Celtic’s resolve with a third offer before the 11 PM deadline, the message from Glasgow is clear: Engels is not for sale. Incomings on the Horizon While slamming the door on departures, O’Neill confirmed that Celtic are working hard on their own recruitment. The Hoops are reportedly closing in on loan deals for Freiburg striker Junior Adamu and Lorient winger Joel Mvuka to bolster an attack that has been “running on empty” according to the manager. Celtic fans—is the board right to hold out for more, or should we have cashed in on Engels to fund a deadline day spending spree? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Celtic Football News Hearts Rangers

David Martindale Tips Hearts to Make History in Premiership Title Race

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Livingston manager David Martindale believes this season’s Scottish Premiership title race could deliver a historic outcome, backing Heart of Midlothian to finish top and break the long-standing dominance of the Old Firm. Despite Livingston finding themselves three points adrift at the foot of the table after facing every club at least once, Martindale feels that vantage point has given him a clear overview of the league. From what he has seen, Hearts have stood out as the most consistent side across the campaign. Under Derek McInnes, Hearts have combined structure, balance and resilience to establish themselves as genuine contenders. Martindale highlighted both the strength of their squad and the leadership in the dugout, pointing to a level of week-to-week reliability that separates them from their rivals. Crucially, Martindale framed Hearts’ title push as something that extends beyond Tynecastle. With Rangers and Celtic having dominated Scottish football for decades, a Hearts title would mark the first time in 40 years that a non-Old Firm club finished above both. For Martindale, that prospect alone makes their challenge significant. He rejected the idea that Hearts’ position is simply the result of Old Firm inconsistency, arguing instead that they have earned their place through strong performances and a clear footballing identity. He also praised the club’s off-field structure, describing Hearts as well-run from top to bottom and well equipped to sustain their challenge. While Martindale views the title race as a three-way contest, he also acknowledged the wider competitiveness of the league. Motherwell, managed by Jens Berthel Askou, were singled out for their strong position, with Martindale suggesting the fight for the top four could be tighter than many expect. Rangers, he noted, have given themselves an outside chance, while Celtic, under Martin O’Neill have shown improved consistency. But when all factors are weighed up, Martindale’s pick remains unchanged. For Scottish football, he believes a Hearts title would be a refreshing and defining moment — one that proves the league can still deliver genuine surprises at the very top.

Celtic Football News Scottish Premiership

Celtic Transfer Blow as Kasper Høgh Move Hits Major Snag

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Celtic’s January plans have taken a hit after their reported interest in Kasper Høgh ran into serious competition from England. The Danish striker, currently impressing with Bodø/Glimt, has been linked with the Scottish champions as they look to strengthen their attacking options before the window closes. However, a strong move from Norwich City now appears to have put Celtic on the back foot. Reports suggest Norwich have tabled a bid close to Bodø/Glimt’s valuation, believed to be in the region of £6–7 million, putting them firmly in pole position. With the English Championship side able to offer higher wages and a substantial transfer fee, Celtic face an uphill battle if they want to stay in the race. Høgh has caught the eye this season with a combination of physical presence, sharp movement, and an eye for goal, making him an attractive option for clubs looking for a reliable No.9. His performances in European competition have only added to his growing reputation. For Celtic, the setback raises fresh questions about their January recruitment strategy. With time ticking down in the window, the pressure is on to either match the financial demands or pivot quickly to alternative targets. Whether Celtic choose to push the boat out or walk away could define the remainder of their season — but for now, this is a clear reminder that the transfer market is as competitive off the pitch as it is on it.

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