Celtic would love Patrick Roberts back in Glasgow this season.
According to The Daily Mail, Celtic’s hopes of re-signing Patrick Roberts may hinge on whether Brendan Rodgers’s side qualify for the Champions League proper.
The Hoops are gearing up for a first-leg playoff at home to Astana on Wednesday as the Scottish champions look to put one foot in the group stage of the competition.
The Manchester City starlet, who has spent the past 18 months on loan in Glasgow, has been heavily linked with a return to Parkhead and is said to be interested in another spell.
But The Sunday Post reported yesterday morning that Sky Blues boss Pep Guardiola would prefer if the 21-year-old’s loan came at Nice or Southampton in the Premier League, both of which may be better for his development than another spell in Scotland’s top flight.
However, The Mail has now reported that Guardiola – apparently “adamant” that he won’t re-join – may be convinced to greenlight another switch to Celtic if Rodgers qualifies them for the Champions League again.
That, according to the report, is a “potential factor”.
Consequently, the report goes on to claim that the Hoops are unlikely to sign him before Tuesday’s deadline for registering players in the Champions League, contrary to The Sunday Post stating that that was the idea.
Re-signing the youngster would be huge for Celtic this season, after the talented winger scored 10 goals and set up 13 in all competitions last time around, but time will tell whether they are successful.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
