Could Manchester City chasing MLS winger create opportunity for Celtic?

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Manchester City are reportedly in pole position to land Jack Harrison, so perhaps Celtic should keep an eye on developments.

Following Patrick Roberts’ return to Celtic for another loan spell in the summer, the winger confirmed, in comments reported by STV, that the Hoops had wanted to bring him back to Parkhead on a permanent basis.

Roberts was exceptional during his first 18 months in the Scottish Premiership, so it was no surprise that Celtic were keen to bring him in from Manchester City again, but perhaps the fact that they tried to land him on a permanent basis was something of a shock.

BBC Sport reported that City paid £12 million for the former Fulham starlet when they signed him in 2015, so you would certainly imagine that the Bhoys would have needed to pay something near that figure for a deal to be done.

But perhaps Celtic should keep a keen eye on what happens regarding City’s pursuit of MLS starlet Jack Harrison.

The Sun reports that the Citizens have first refusal on the 20-year-old due to their partnership with New York City FC and they are keen to land the youngster who is also attracting interest from Manchester United.

So with Roberts already facing a tough ask trying to break into the Manchester City team, perhaps Celtic should consider making a permanent bid for him if the Premier League side manage to win the race for fellow winger Harrison.

With Harrison the latest through the door and, unlike Roberts, a Pep Guardiola signing – should he sign – letting Roberts go may not seem like the worst idea if they feel that he is even more unlikely to enjoy first-team football.

Roberts has shown that he has a strong affinity with Celtic already, having decided to return in the summer, so perhaps the chance to move to Parkhead on a permanent basis, if that is an opportunity that does open up, may also appeal if his path to the City first-team becomes even more congested.