West Ham in talks for Celtic midfielder Engels

Arne Engels has been a target for Nottingham Forest and other Premier League clubs, but West Ham are pursuing a deal for the Belgium international midfielder; Engels has entered the last two years of his contract at Parkhead

>West Ham are in talks with Celtic over the signing of midfielder Arne Engels.

>The 22-year-old also has interest from a number of Premier League clubs. Nottingham Forest saw multiple offers rejected for him on Deadline Day of the winter window.

>But it is Championship side West Ham who are currently pursuing the Belgium international, who has two years to run on his contract.

>Celtic's chief executive Michael Nicholson said a few weeks ago that the Hoops' transfer activity was proving difficult because they are competing with clubs in the Championship for targets.

>Nicholson was speaking at Celtic's annual general meeting, in which manager Martin O'Neill said his squad was not strong enough to compete and is in major need of signings.

>Celtic have since signed striker Kasper Hogh for a club-record fee from Bodo/Glimt.

>It remains to be seen if any Premier League clubs will rival West Ham for Engels' signature.

>Forest's top midfield target is Lucas Bergvall but they have been unable to strike an agreement with Spurs for the 20-year-old.