Celtic turn down West Ham offer for Engels as O'Neill confirms Everton interest in Johnston

Celtic have rejected an approach from West Ham United for Arne Engels, and manager Martin O'Neill has confirmed there is interest from Everton in Alistair Johnston. O'Neill spoke publicly to acknowledge both developments surrounding the club's players.

The manager said Celtic had turned down West Ham's bid for Engels while also confirming Everton had shown interest in Johnston. The club's stance on Engels was made clear following the approach, and O'Neill addressed the situation when discussing transfer activity involving current squad members.

O'Neill's comments confirmed that Celtic did not accept the offer from West Ham for Engels, underlining the club's current position on the player. He also acknowledged that Everton had expressed interest in Johnston, without announcing any agreement or transfer.

The manager handled questions about both players during his remarks, indicating that the club had been approached and had responded to those approaches. Celtic's response to West Ham's bid was a formal rejection, and Everton's interest in Johnston was publicly recognised by O'Neill.

Both announcements came as part of the club's ongoing management of player matters, with O'Neill providing the official confirmation. The manager's statements clarified Celtic's immediate decisions regarding the two approaches.

O'Neill's public acknowledgement serves as the club's latest word on these situations and confirms Celtic's response to outside interest in Engels and Johnston. No further details on potential moves were provided in his comments.