West Ham close in on Arne Engels deal that is leaving people 'baffled'
West Ham United are closing in on the signing of Celtic's Arne Engels.
The midfielder is said to be "on the verge" of leaving the Hoops, with the Hammers extremely keen to land Nuno Espirito Santo a new signing.
The hope at the London Stadium is that Nuno will have a new addition before their Championship campaign starts at Turf Moor against Burnley.
Both the Irons and the Clarets will be aiming for promotion back to the Premier League after relegation last season, and Nuno will be hoping that his squad is best prepared for the crucial opener.
The former Wolves boss has already seen changes in midfield, with Mateus Fernandes now a Tottenham player, as Freddie Potts looks set to join Club Brugge for £10.2million.
However, West Ham could be making another signing after the arrival of Joel Veltman, with Engels said to be closing in on a move to E20 that has left some confused.
Scottish pundits confused at Arne Engels pricetag amid West Ham move
Sky Sports have reported that Celtic are "resigned" to lose Engels, with the 22-year-old the subject of another expected bid from West Ham.
It was suggested by manager Martin O'Neill that the Hoops rejected an initial offer from the Hammers, with a second bid also reportedly turned down.
However, it's understood that West Ham are prepared for one final bid that will likely be the one that brings the Belgian to the London Stadium.
The player is already down the line with personal terms, and the switch is expected to progress very soon.
While speaking on Open Goal, Scottish Premiership pundits Simon Ferry and Derek Ferguson discussed the news of Engels possibly leaving Celtic Park for around £25m.
Ferguson said: "I don't know if he's worth £25m, but aye. So what is it that people see in him?"
Ferry replied: "I'm the same as you, I'm baffled that people are willing to pay £25m for him. His decision-making is terrible; the passes he tries to make are terrible. £25m?"
This may leave West Ham fans wondering about what it is that attracts Nuno and Co. to Engels after all.
Athleticism, set-piece quality and stats: What influenced West Ham move for Engels
Nottingham Forest had a £25m package offer turned down by Celtic for Engels in January.
It's said that the Hoops would likely accept an offer of the same value from West Ham, with £20m in an up-front fee, and an additional £5m in add-ons.
While Engels was criticised by Ferry and Ferguson, they both pointed to his key qualities that are attractive for interested sides.
His athleticism and set-piece ability were two components suggested as something that will interest the likes of West Ham, while a return of 38 goals and assists combined from midfield in 99 games is also impressive.
Engels is only 22, and has plenty of time to develop and grow under the management of Nuno in E20.