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West Ham in 'pole position' to sign Celtic star as chiefs rebuff transfer enquiries over another Hoops ace Latest Celtic transfer news as two Hoops mainstays remain targets elsewhere Celtic have ‘rebuffed’ transfer interest from La Liga side Osasuna for defender Kieran Tierney, while English giants West Ham remain in ‘pole position’ to sign midfielder Arne Engels. Tierney, 29, has previous in the Spanish top flight from his days at Real Sociedad while on loan from Arsenal. With interest rife for several of Celtic’s main men, the Hoops have shut down Osasuna’s initial approach for the defender - who still has another four years left on his contract. Left back is currently the position where they arguably have the least depth. One of said key figures who has attracted attention is midfielder Arne Engels. Recently-relegated West Ham are in for the 22-year old, along with Premier League side Nottingham Forest. Reports suggest the Hammers are now winning the race. In another transfer race, Everton and Fulham are battling it out for right back Alistair Johnston. Spain return for Tierney ‘rebuffed’ From the academy, to the first team, to North London and back, Tierney has been a Hoops success story and isn’t a player the club would ever be willing to let go lightly. Arsenal forked out £25m for the young startlet back in 2019, in a deal which Celtic were still reluctant to negotiate given his connection with the club. Six years on, they’re in a position where selling isn’t an option. According to the Sun: “LA LIGA clubs are keen on taking Celtic star Kieran Tierney back to Spain. But while the Hoops are dealing with strong interest in Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels from Fulham, Everton, Nottingham Forest and West Ham, they are NOT giving any encouragement on KT. Osasuna have asked about Tierney, 29, who made 20 loan appearances for Real Sociedad in the 2023-24 season while on loan from Arsenal. Celts chiefs have rebuffed the Pamplona-based outfit and will do the same with any other approaches.” Tierney was an influential figure for the Hoops last season, scoring six goals and registering eight assists from fullback. To add to this, the club are currently looking for options to cover him at left back, after talks collapsed with last season’s Boca Juniors loanee Marcelo Saracchi. Losing the Scotland international would leave them without any recognised left backs in the first-team squad. West Ham in pole position for Engels Forest looked to be the likely destination for the Engels at the start of the window. The Hoops rejected three offers from them in January for the Belgian - the highest reaching £25m, however West Ham have now reportedly overtaken them in the race. The same report read: “West Ham are in pole position for Belgian playmaker Engels with longstanding pursuers Forest still in the frame.” Celtic would be looking for around the same price range as the rejected bid from Forest for Engels this summer. The midfielder came to life towards the end of last season, scoring in the crucial win over Hearts on the final day of the league and against Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup final to help secure the domestic double. Canadian international Johnston remains heavily on Everton’s radar. Celtic boss Martin O’Neill confirmed last week that Toffees gaffer and former Hoops man David Moyes gave him a courtesy call to inform him of their plans. A £15m price tag has been placed on the right back.