Chelsea talent visits Celtic for a transfer, ex-Hoops star eager to return, and West Ham United prepared to splurge for the ace.

Celtic’s transfer plans are gathering momentum, with a highly rated Chelsea youngster visiting the club as the Scottish champions continue their search for another left-back.

At the same time, former Celtic defender Greg Taylor is reportedly open to returning to Parkhead, while West Ham United are preparing to make a major financial push for midfielder Arne Engels.

Celtic midfielder Arne Engels is wanted by West Ham. | Sportsfile via Getty Images

Celtic have already strengthened their attacking options this summer with the arrivals of Kasper Hogh, Camilo Duran and Haissem Hassan. However, Martin O’Neill’s squad still requires additional depth at left-back.

Kieran Tierney is currently the only senior specialist in that position, meaning the Hoops are keen to bring in another player who can share the workload during what promises to be a demanding campaign.

Chelsea youngster visits Celtic

One of the players Celtic are considering is Chelsea prospect Landon Emenalo.

The 18-year-old is regarded as a promising talent at Stamford Bridge and has been involved in Chelsea’s pre-season preparations, giving him valuable exposure to first-team football.

Celtic are reportedly considering a loan move for Emenalo as they look to provide competition and cover for Tierney.

According to Sky Sports, the teenager is one of several potential loan options being assessed by the Scottish champions.

The report suggests Celtic have not completely dismissed the possibility of signing a left-back permanently, but a temporary deal currently appears to be a strong option.

Emenalo’s visit to Celtic is therefore particularly significant.

The youngster has reportedly been in Glasgow to speak with the club and look around both Celtic Park and the Lennoxtown training complex.

That opportunity would allow the player to gain a better understanding of what a potential move to Scotland could offer.

For Celtic, it also provides the opportunity to assess whether Emenalo could be the right player to provide Tierney with competition.

Greg Taylor could return

Celtic have another potential solution to their left-back problem in the form of Greg Taylor.

The former Hoops defender left Parkhead for Greek side PAOK last summer, but he is reportedly open to returning to Glasgow just 12 months after his departure.

Taylor became an important player for Celtic during his previous spell at the club and would provide experience in a position where O’Neill currently lacks senior depth.

However, there has reportedly been no contact between Celtic and Taylor at this stage.

The club appear to be exploring several possibilities before deciding which route to take.

A return for Taylor would offer familiarity, while signing a younger player such as Emenalo could provide greater long-term potential.

Celtic had also been interested in Marcelo Saracchi, who filled the left-back role on loan last season, but that move did not materialise.

The need for another option remains clear, particularly with European football on the horizon.

West Ham prepare £30m Engels bid

While Celtic are working on defensive reinforcements, another major transfer situation is developing around Arne Engels.

West Ham United have maintained their interest in the Belgian midfielder and are now reportedly prepared to make an offer worth around £30 million.

Engels has started the new season strongly for Celtic and continues to attract serious attention from the Premier League.

The Hammers are believed to view him as a priority target as they attempt to strengthen their squad and secure an immediate return to the top flight.

Celtic have previously stood firm over their valuation of the midfielder, refusing to make it easy for interested clubs to take one of their key players.

However, West Ham’s latest approach could test that resolve.

West Ham willing to pay big money

Transfer reporter Alan Nixon claims West Ham are preparing another proposal for Engels and are ready to reach the £30 million mark.

The report suggests the Premier League club could offer approximately £25 million in guaranteed payments, with a substantial promotion-related bonus included in the overall package.

Such an agreement could make the deal one of the biggest sales in Celtic’s history.

The Hoops may therefore have a difficult decision to make if the proposed offer arrives.

Engels has been performing well and remains an important member of O’Neill’s midfield, meaning losing him would weaken the squad.

However, a £30 million package would provide Celtic with significant funds to reinvest elsewhere.

Celtic preparing for possible Engels departure

According to Nixon, Celtic have already begun preparing for the possibility of Engels leaving.

The Scottish champions have reportedly identified potential replacements elsewhere in Europe, suggesting that the club are not completely unprepared for his potential departure.

That does not necessarily mean Celtic want to sell.

The Belgian’s strong performances could make it difficult for O’Neill to sanction his exit, particularly with major fixtures approaching.

Nevertheless, the financial incentive could prove difficult to ignore if West Ham follow through with their reported plans.

The wages on offer could also tempt Engels to consider the move, especially if West Ham can provide him with the opportunity to return to English football.

For Celtic, the situation therefore represents a difficult balancing act between sporting ambition and financial reward.

Celtic facing important transfer decisions

The coming weeks could prove decisive for the Hoops.

The club need to strengthen at left-back, with Emenalo emerging as a potential loan option and Taylor remaining open to a return.

At the same time, Celtic must decide how to respond if West Ham submit their reported £30 million proposal for Engels.

Selling a key midfielder for such a substantial fee could give O’Neill considerable funds to strengthen his squad.

However, allowing an influential player to leave while Celtic are pursuing success on multiple fronts could also create an unwanted weakness.

For now, the club appear to be exploring every possible option.

With Emenalo visiting Lennoxtown, Taylor reportedly interested in returning and West Ham preparing a huge offer for Engels, Celtic’s transfer window is entering an increasingly intriguing stage.