Celtic are reportedly pushing to re-sign Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts.
Celtic’s Patrick Roberts shoots
According to The Mirror, Celtic’s talks with Manchester City over a deal to re-sign winger Patrick Roberts are ‘at an advanced stage’ in a potentially exciting move.
Roberts joined City from Fulham back in the summer of 2015, but after playing little first-team football, the wide man was sent out loan to Celtic in January 2016.
Celtic’s Patrick Roberts
The England youth ace hit six goals in 13 games under Ronny Deila, but took his game to another level with Brendan Rodgers’ influence this past season, smashing nine goals and ten assists.
Celtic fans loved Roberts during his spell in Glasgow, and many have been disappointed with the fact that his 18-month loan deal is now coming to an end – but a return could yet be on the cards.
Celtic’s Kieran Tierney and Patrick Roberts celebrate
The Mirror report that Celtic’s talks over a deal to re-sign Roberts are now ‘at an advanced stage’, though there are still hurdles to overcome for the Bhoys.
Whilst negotiations may be progressing, it’s claimed that Celtic only want to pay £5million for Roberts, whereas City would demand a fee of around £12million – the price they paid to sing him two years ago.
Aberdeen’s Jonathan Hayes in action with Celtic’s Patrick Roberts
£12million may be beyond Celtic unless Moussa Dembele is sold, with Brendan Rodgers no doubt keen to reinvest any money from the Frenchman’s possible exit, and Roberts would be near the top of his list.
Alternatively, it’s suggested that Celtic could receive around £10million from Virgil van Dijk’s expected move away from Southampton thanks to a sell-on clause, meaning Rodgers could end up being equipped with the funds to sign Roberts permanently this summer.
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