Arne Engels to Celtic transfer doubt emerges as Augsburg boss looks beyond deadline day with midfielder plan

Augsburg boss Jess Thorup thinks Arne Engels will still be part of his squad for their game against Heidenheim on Sunday.

The 20-year-old midfielder is a top Celtic transfer target and the Premiership champions have submitted a second £9million offer for the Belgian, after seeing an initial £6.5m bid booted out by the Bundesliga outfit. Reports claim that Augsburg have slightly lowered their fee expectations, having previously been holding out for £12m but now willing to accept £10m. If Celtic are willing to go that high, then it would see the Hoops break their transfer record for the second time this window after striking a £9.5m deal for Adam Idah.

However, Thorup is planning to have Engels available for their next league match and isn't talking like a man who believes his star man is on the verge of leaving for Glasgow. He told Sky Sports Germany: "I think he will be in our squad for next game (vs Heidenheim on Sunday). I heard about the rumours, I don‘t know what will happen in the last couple of days.“

Brendan Rodgers is determined to bring in more midfield quality after selling Matt O'Riley to Brighton. He's told the club hierarchy that having cash sitting in the bank won't help their quest to compete properly in the Champions League.

With an increased Engels offer in and £5m on the table for Aaron Trusty of Sheffield United, they appear to be listening. It's now down to whether selling clubs will accept what's on offer or try to squeeze more O'Riley cash out of their respective deals.