Celtic have been linked with another temporary move for the Manchester City youngster.
According to a recent report from the Sun, Celtic are prepared to pay £500,000 to bring Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts back on loan for a third consecutive season, and it could be the smartest money Bhoys manager Brendan Rodgers spends all summer.
Roberts has grown into a highly effective player in his two-year spell at Celtic Park, featuring 56 times to date, scoring 15 goals and providing 19 assists in the process.
The vast majority of those have come this season, with the 20-year-old becoming something of an assist-king with 17 since Rodgers replaced Ronny Deila at the helm.
And when you consider his impact in Scotland, a third year is something Celtic would be mad not to push for.
As well as Roberts has done this season, he will still struggle for significant game time at City in the short term, especially with their manager Pep Guardiola expected to spend big in the transfer window after a disappointing debut campaign.
Roberts would get chances, but at Celtic he is one of the first names on the team sheet and his development would be best served by a third and final year in Scotland.
For just £500,000, Celtic would be bringing back a considerable goal threat and creative catalyst who knows his surroundings and is only going to get better with age.
A permanent deal will be out of the question given his talent and City’s long-term project, but even for a temporary deal, the money will be far from wasted.
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