West Ham United are planning to rival Leicester City to sign Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts this summer.
Roberts is one of City’s brightest prospects and has enjoyed a very encouraging spell in the Scottish Premiership with the Hoops, winning several honours under Ronny Deila and now Brendan Rodgers. His time at Parkhead has also allowed the winger to get some Champions League football under his belt.
The Sun reports that the Hammers and Leicester City both wanted to sign Roberts in January, but having failed, they are ready to go back in, and the report suggests that City could be prepared to let the former Fulham prospect leave.
The Sun adds that the two clubs are set to scrap over a £15 million deal for Roberts at the end of the campaign, but it remains to be seen what the 21-year-old will make of the interest in him.
West Ham or Leicester?
With The Sun suggesting that Roberts could prove to be Riyad Mahrez’s replacement at the King Power Stadium, it is surely fair to suggest that the Foxes may have the advantage in the race to land the youngster’s signature – and he may well appreciate the opportunity to step into the void that Mahrez’s departure could create.
West Ham’s first job to boost their chances in the race for Roberts will undoubtedly be to make sure that they stay in the Premier League. David Moyes’ men have started to drift back towards the bottom three recently and a few more poor results will set up a nervy end to the season for the Hammers.
But with the Irons lacking that much depth going forward right now, West Ham could certainly offer Roberts regular first-team football, and a move to the London Stadium would, of course, bring the Kingston-born ace back to the capital, so that may also prove a tempting factor.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
