Martin O’Neill, the Celtic manager, has addressed speculation regarding Arne Engels’ future with Nottingham Forest showing continued interest in the midfielder.

Nottingham Forest attempted to secure Engels during the January transfer window and reports suggest they remain keen on the 22-year-old this summer.

Forest have already added one midfielder to their squad this summer, with Xaver Schlager becoming Oliver Glasner’s debut signing of the transfer window.

However, the club has also seen Elliot Anderson depart the City Ground, joining Manchester City in a deal worth £116m.

Engels featured in Celtic’s first Scottish Premier League fixture of the campaign on Monday evening. Following the match, O’Neill stated that he wants to retain both the midfielder and defender Alistair Johnston ahead of their Champions League qualifying ties this month.

O’Neill expressed his desire to keep the pair, suggesting it would be beneficial for the club while acknowledging uncertainty around whether other clubs would pursue transfers. He noted that clubs typically aim to finalise their squads as quickly as possible, but accepted that player preferences and other clubs’ intentions must be considered.

Both Johnston and Engels indicated they wanted to participate in the match despite ongoing speculation, which O’Neill believed they handled well. He recognised that transfer rumours can create mental challenges alongside the physical demands of competition, but remained satisfied with their performance and stated he had no new information regarding any potential transfer developments.