Celtic identify two potential replacements for Arne Engels

Celtic have begun planning for Arne Engels’ expected departure, with two midfielders emerging as leading candidates to replace the Belgian.

Engels is closing in on a move to West Ham after the Premier League club reached an agreement to sign the 22-year-old. His impending exit has prompted Celtic to accelerate their search for another midfielder.

According to Sky Sports News journalist Anthony Joseph, Hajduk Split’s Niko Sigur and Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis are currently the two leading options being considered by the Scottish champions.

However, Celtic are not restricting their search to those two players and are continuing to assess a wider group of midfield targets.

Sigur is already a familiar name to Celtic supporters after previous links with a move to Glasgow. The Canada international could offer Martin O’Neill valuable versatility, having operated both in central midfield and at right-back.

That flexibility could make the 22-year-old particularly attractive given Celtic’s current squad requirements.

Gineitis is another player who has been on Celtic’s radar in recent weeks. The Torino midfielder has been strongly linked with a possible move to Scotland and now appears to be firmly among the club’s preferred options as they prepare for life without Engels.

Celtic have already strengthened their midfield this summer with the arrival of Mika Baur, but Engels’ departure would create another opening in O’Neill’s squad.

The timing could prove important, with Celtic’s Champions League play-off against LASK fast approaching. Bringing in a replacement quickly would give the new arrival more time to settle before a crucial period of the season.

For now, Sigur and Gineitis appear to be the two names attracting the most attention, although Celtic are keeping their options open.

With Engels edging closer to the exit, the Hoops now face another important transfer decision as they look to maintain their midfield strength and prepare for their European campaign.