O'Neill confirms approaches for Celtic duo
Martin O'Neill has confirmed that both Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels have attracted interest from English clubs, ahead of Celtic's Scottish Premiership opener.
O'Neill revealed that Celtic, which begins its Scottish Premiership campaign against Dundee FC on Tuesday (AEST), has rejected an approach from West Ham United for midfielder Engels.
He also said that Premier League side Everton has shown an interest in Canada international Johnston, but he was unsure whether a bid had been made.
Engels has been one of Celtic's standout performers since joining the Glasgow giant from Augsburg in 2024, making 98 appearances across all competitions.
Engels was the subject of a £25 million ($47.9 million) bid from Nottingham Forest in February, and O'Neill confirmed that West Ham's recent approach "doesn't remotely meet our valuation".
O'Neill also said that he had been informed of Everton's interest in Johnston by Toffees boss David Moyes.
"Everton have been in contact," O'Neill said. "I'm not sure whether there's been a bid in there for that one, but they've been in contact saying that there would be.
"In fairness, David Moyes did call me last week to say there would be contact."
O'Neill conceded that interest in both players was to be expected, but he wants them to stay, particularly after Daizen Maeda was allowed to leave.
Maeda joined Ipswich Town earlier in the transfer window, with Celtic bringing in club-record signing Kasper Hogh, in addition to Qarabag's Camilo Duran, as it looks to replace his attacking output.
"I felt that something would happen with some of our top players," O'Neill added.
"I was hoping as each day went past that there wouldn't be any serious interest. But that was never going to happen.
"But we need players in anyway. And we're on the hunt for that. We're getting close. I don't know how close is close, but we are definitely getting close."
