Earlier coverage this week pointed to Arne Engels as a West Ham target after Celtic's sales windfall. The update now is broader and a bit sharper: Martin O'Neill says Everton have been in contact over Alistair Johnston, while Celtic have already knocked back a late move for Engels and are holding out for at least £25m.
Johnston interest and Everton's approach
O'Neill said Everton had made their move in a straightforward way. “In fairness, David Moyes did call me last week and say that there would be contact,” he said. He added that Everton have been in contact over Johnston, and that the player is “perfectly happy” at Celtic despite the interest.
The World Cup numbers attached to Johnston are solid as well. He has a 6.84 rating across five appearances, which is the kind of form that makes outside interest easy to understand even if it does not make a sale likely. For Celtic, the point is less about a weak spot and more about a squad player they would rather not have to replace in the middle of a run-in.
Engels stays in the frame for West Ham
Engels is the cleaner test of Celtic's price line. O'Neill said the club turned down a big Nottingham Forest offer in January at the last minute, and that the current stance on the midfielder is to hold out for at least £25m.
The interest is not hard to see. Engels has averaged a 7.9 rating across his last five Premiership matches, which fits with the attention he is drawing from England. West Ham's 2025 league finish, relegated, gives their pursuit a slightly awkward backdrop, but it also explains why they are shopping in a market where Celtic can ask serious money for a player who is still producing.
Celtic's own record last season, 26W 4D 8L, is the other part of this. They do not need to act desperate, and O'Neill's comments suggest they are trying to hold the line on both names rather than treat either one as a quick sale. The next move will come from the clubs doing the bidding, but for now Celtic have a clear price on Engels and contact, not a bid, on Johnston.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →
