Celtic are keen on signing Henry Lansbury from Nottingham Forest, a player he tried to sign for Swansea City.
Brendan Rodgers has enjoyed instant success at Celtic since being appointed in the summer, but he is also a manager who is prepared to be patient.
This is being demonstrated with his latest pursuit of Henri Lansbury of Nottingham Forest, a player he has been trying to sign for the best part of seven years.
New Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
Rodgers attempted to sign Lansbury for Swansea City back in 2010, when the midfielder was a promising prospect in Arsenal’s academy, having helped them win the 2009 FA Youth Cup.
The BBC reported Swansea’s attempt to swing a loan deal for Lansbury, with Rodgers telling of his admiration for the player, and his willingness to wait.
He said: “Henri and ourselves are keen for him to come here and get games, but the reality is he’s an Arsenal player
“We need to respect their ability to wait for when the time’s right. He’s a very talented young player, has a terrific pedigree and he’s been brought up really well.”
Little did Rodgers know quite how long he may be waiting.
Nottingham Forest’s Henri Lansbury celebrates
Lansbury moved on loan instead to Norwich City and then to West Ham, and when he became available in 2012, Rodgers was leaving Swansea to take the job at Liverpool.
Now the Nottingham Post report Rodgers has renewed interest in Lansbury, who is now 26-years-old.
The club captain has just six months remaining on his contract and the paper claim he would be tempted by a move to Celtic.
Rodgers’ long term admiration of his talent can only help Celtic’s cause, and give them an edge over clubs in England who are also expressing interest in his services.
Nottingham Forest’s Henri Lansbury celebrates after the game
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