Celtic are not giving up on their bid to sign FC Augsburg midfielder Arne Engels despite seeing an opening bid rebuffed.
The Hoops are determined to bolster their midfield ranks over the next few days and have identified Engels as a primary target.
According to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, the Scottish giants have submitted an improved bid to sign Engels.
After seeing an opening proposal worth £6.5 million, Celtic have returned with a new bid worth £9m and remain determined to close a deal for the Belgian midfielder.
Engels has three years left on his contract with Augsburg, and the club are keen to retain his services, at least for the season.
However, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is spearheading the pursuit of the versatile Belgian midfielder and is hoping to add him to his squad before the transfer window closes.
The 20-year-old is also keen to join the Scottish champions and has agreed personal terms, so both clubs remain locked in negotiations to thrash out a deal.
Celtic have made a substantial proposal, but it remains to be seen if it will be enough to convince the Bundesliga side to sell.
Engels is one of Celtic’s top targets to replace Matt O’Riley, who joined Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal worth £30m.
Augsburg paid a meagre €100,000 to sign Engels from Club NXT in January 2023. If they decide to cash in on him, they’ll be banking substantial profit from his potential exit.
He featured 33 times across all competitions, contributing three goals and five assists.
However, he only started 13 of his 32 Bundesliga games last season. He averaged 1.9 ball recoveries per 90 minutes and also won 52% of his ground duels.
Celtic are determined to defend their Scottish Championship title and are willing to splash the cash to bolster Rodgers’ troops before the window closes.
Stats from Sofascore.com
