Three Celtic players have emerged as reported transfer targets for West Ham United as the newly relegated English Championship side look to reshape their squad.
A report from Claret and Hugh on Monday claimed that “a source with excellent club connections” had revealed the Hammers were looking north of the border as they prepare for life outside the Premier League. The report suggested one of the club’s targets was Japanese.
That claim has now been followed up by Hammers.News, who name the three Celtic players believed to be on West Ham’s radar.
Arne Engels tops the list, although any move for the Belgian would appear a difficult one to pull off.
The midfielder has attracted interest from across Europe in recent months, with Roma among the clubs linked. Nottingham Forest also remain in the picture after seeing a reported £25 million bid rejected by Celtic in January.
Considering Engels remains Celtic’s record signing after arriving for around £11 million, and with his stock continuing to rise, it is hard to see the Scottish champions entertaining anything below that previously rejected offer.
For a club preparing for a Championship campaign, that level of investment could prove unrealistic. Engels is also likely to have ambitions of testing himself at the highest level should he eventually leave Glasgow.
The second player named is Reo Hatate.
The Japanese midfielder has already spoken openly about wanting a new challenge after four-and-a-half years at Celtic. Whether that comes back in Japan or elsewhere in Europe remains to be seen, but West Ham could offer a route back towards the Premier League if they mount a successful promotion push.
It would certainly present a different option to some of the clubs previously linked with the 28-year-old.
Perhaps the most surprising name in the report is Michel-Ange Balikwisha.
The DR Congo international only joined Celtic last summer in a deal worth around £5 million but has yet to establish himself at the club.
Balikwisha has made just 14 competitive appearances, registering two assists, and has spent much of his time on the fringes.
There have been signs of experimentation during pre-season, though. O’Neill has used him in the number 10 role rather than on the left wing, hinting there could still be plans for him this season.
That makes the reported interest an intriguing one. Celtic have invested time and money in the 25-year-old and may yet want to see whether he can force his way into the manager’s plans.
Equally, if an offer arrived close to what the club paid, it would not be a surprise if it were considered.
West Ham’s interest also comes against the backdrop of expected movement in and out of Celtic before the transfer window closes.
For now, the reported West Ham interest remains exactly that. There has been no official approach and no confirmation from either club. With the Hammers rebuilding under the pressure of an immediate promotion bid, and Celtic expected to see interest in several key players, this is one rumour that may not disappear quickly.
