Celtic are ramping up their pursuit of Augsburg midfielder Arne Engels, with a bid now at £10million.
Although the Bundesliga outfit still seek a higher amount, negotiations are ongoing to bring the 20-year-old to the Scottish giants before Friday's transfer deadline.
Brendan Rodgers has identified the Belgian starlet as his primary choice to succeed Matt O'Riley, following the sale of their recent Player of the Year to Brighton on Monday for a club-record fee expected to total £30m.
If completed, this deal would break Celtic's record of £9m set for Odsonne Edouard in 2018.
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Augsburg manager Jess Thorup commented on the situation, expecting Engels to be in the squad for their next match against Heidenheim this weekend, while acknowledging the ongoing rumours and uncertainty surrounding the potential transfer.
Speaking to Sky Germany, Thorup said: "I think he will be in our squad for next game.
"I heard about the rumours, I don‘t know what will happen in the last couple of days.“
