Celtic have identified Augsburg talent Arne Engels as a potential addition this window, but they may need two dominoes to fall to clear the path for their pursuit to progress.
The 20-year-old has emerged as one of Brendan Rodgers’ top targets before the deadline and is capable of playing in central midfield, an advanced role or at right-back.
Setting the bar high, his current club value him at £9 million. Nevertheless, not only are they prospectively willing to cash in on the Belgium Under-21 international, but he would prefer a move to Celtic over joining Ligue 1 outfit Rennes.
Why has he adopted that mindframe? The opportunity to play Champions League football in Glasgow is said to be the main factor.
Now, developments have come to light detailing two key caveats that may need to happen before the prospect of seeing Engels at Celtic becomes a realistic one.
The Arne Engels to Celtic latest
According to Football Scotland, Celtic have held talks over a move for Engels, but two developments need to take place for a move to come to fruition.
Firstly, the Bhoys would need to sell Matt O’Riley amid ongoing interest from Atalanta. The report states they are holding out for £25 million plus add-ons for the Denmark international.
Furthermore, Augsburg playmaker Ruben Vargas is also keen to leave his current employers before the end of the window. He would need to stay put, with the Bundesliga outfit unwilling to be caught short in the engine room.
Engels made 33 appearances in all competitions last term, registering an impressive return of three goals and five assists.
Undoubtedly, he still has plenty of development to go before he can realise his full potential. However, there are steps that need to take place before that can happen.
Just over two weeks remain of the transfer window for Celtic. In the final stages, they could enact several pieces of business.
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