Celtic talent in demand with summer transfer 'planned' as red-hot loanee nominated for top award

The Belgian international was the subject of several failed bids from Nottingham Forest on deadline day, with the Europa League semi-finalists offering Celtic a fee of around £25million in order to tempt him across the border. However, with manager Martin O’Neill insisting the club keep hold of him, interested parties were made aware he wasn’t for sale.

“Personally, I’m delighted that the board turned it down,” said O’Neill in February. “It’s really tempting, and it’s come at a very, very late stage, I must admit. So, really great credit to them. He didn’t kick up a fuss about it either, even though it had come in late. And of course, it’s tempting, it’s really big money for here.”

However, with the 22-year-old playmaker continuing to attract serious interest, it is claimed the club are aware that a move will likely take place once the season reaches its climax. According to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Engels remains a major target for Red Bull Leipzig, who are “closely monitoring him”. Several other sides are also circling, with English Premier League, Serie A and La Liga teams all mulling over summer bids for the youngster.

Engels joined the club on deadline day in September 2023 for a club record fee of £11million after a summer-long pursuit of the then-Augsburg player. He came under criticism from sections of the club's support for some underwhelming performances in the early throws of his Hoops career.

He ended his debut season in strong form, though, scoring 10 goals and assisting a further 13 as the club went on to win the Scottish Premiership and Premier Sports Cup. He has continued to impress again this season with 12 goal contributions, despite missing almost nine weeks of the season with a troublesome thigh issue, and is likely to provide the club with a sizeable profit should he depart this summer.

Meanwhile, Celtic forward Johnny Kenny has been nominated for the EFL League One player of the month award after his scintillating form in front of goal on loan at Bolton Wanderers in April. The 22-year-old striker began the season in the Celtic first team, scoring six goals in 22 appearances, but was allowed to leave the club on a temporary deal until the end of the season in order to play more regular first-team football after falling out of favour with manager Martin O’Neill.

Named as part of a four-man shortlist, he’ll battle with Lincoln City’s Tendayi Darikwa, Stevenage goalkeeper Filip Marschall and Luton Town’s Kasey Palmer for the award. A key man for Steven Schumacher’s promotion-chasing side, Kenny scored five goals in five appearances during the month of April to help the Trotters secure a playoff berth.

Backed to fire Bolton to a long-awaited promotion from the third-tier, the Republic of Ireland international is expected to lead the line as they welcome Bradford City in their playoff semi-final first leg this weekend