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Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton says he expects midfielder Arne Engels to join West Ham before the summer transfer window closes.

Writing in his column for the Daily Record, Sutton questioned why the Belgian international is interested in moving to England’s second tier, but he accepts that a switch to the London Stadium is likely:

“The Championship is a notoriously tough division to get out of, and Engels should be aiming his sights at the top tier and competing in Europe – not battling for promotion. It would be a strange one, but it does look like he’s going, which will leave Celtic looking even lighter in midfield.”

Engels is believed to have agreed personal terms with the Hammers, but there is still some way to go before a deal is finalised.

West Ham’s last bid was well below the asking price

Speaking in a press conference on Friday afternoon, Celtic boss Martin O’Neill said that the Irons’ most recent offer didn’t “remotely meet our valuation”.

It is believed that Engels will cost in excess of £25m, with Nottingham Forest having had a similar proposal turned down during the January transfer window.

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Engels is not the only midfielder who has been pursued

While the Celtic star appears to be the top target for head coach Nuno Espirito Santo and Director of Player Recruitment Nils Koppen, other names have been mentioned as options.

Neom SC midfielder Amadou Kone is said to be on the London club’s radar, although there is expected to be competition from two Premier League clubs – Leeds United and Hull City.

Last month, West Ham were also linked with the likes of Metz’s Alpha Toure and Troyes’ Martin Adeline (prior to his move to Hamburg).

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