How West Ham may have just saved millions as Arne Engels deal agreed with Celtic

West Ham United have moved a step closer to signing Arne Engels from Celtic.

The Hammers are finally stepping up their efforts in the transfer market after a quiet spell.

There had been no signings for weeks before Joel Veltman and Manor Solomon came in within days of each other.

Nuno Espirito Santo doesn't appear to be done there as he eyes further reinforcements for his squad.

The middle of the park has been an area in need of improvement and the Belgian could help do exactly that.

Engels now looks to be edging closer to a London Stadium switch after a fee was agreed with Celtic as new details emerge.

How much will West Ham pay for Arne Engels?

The Scottish giants have remained firm this summer as they don't truly want to sell the 22-year-old.

That comes after two campaigns as a regular at Parkhead, where was described as a "class act" by James McFadden after a star showing against Club Brugge in the Champions League.

The midfielder certainly caught the eye at Parkhead and now looks set to be on the move.

talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook reported on Friday that West Ham are closing in on the signing of Engels.

A fee in excess of £20million has been agreed and he is now ready to undergo a medical with the East London club.

How West Ham have bagged a bargain fee for Engels

It may seem backwards to suggest that a Championship record fee could be seen as a bargain.

But that is exactly what this move for Engels is.

That is largely due to the fee that the Irons will pay compared to what was previously mooted.

It had looked as if Celtic were going to demand upwards of £25m for the midfielder at one stage, with some reports even putting forward a £30m fee.

So, from that perspective, a £20m move - or somewhere in that region - looks like excellent business at the London Stadium.

Saving anywhere between £5m and £10m on his signature can only be seen as a positive.

Should Engels live up to the hype and guide West Ham back to the Premier League, he would have paid off every last penny of that fee.