Manchester City could send winger Patrick Roberts on loan to a Premier League club.
Rangers’ Myles Beerman in action with Celtic’s Patrick Roberts
According to the Daily Mail, Manchester City intend to send Patrick Roberts out on loan to a Premier League club or foreign side, damaging Celtic’s hopes of securing his signature again.
Roberts, 20, joined City from Fulham in a deal worth a total of £11million (The Guardian) back in the summer of 2015, having emerged as one of English football’s top young players.
However, after making just three appearances in the first half of the 2015/16 season, winger Roberts was sent out on an 18 month loan deal to Celtic, and he made an instant impact with six goals in 13 games.
Under Brendan Rodgers, Roberts has scored nine times in 44 games in all competitions, whilst he has also added nine assists in the Scottish Premiership in what has been a strong season for the youngster.
Kilmarnock’s Greg Kiltie (L) and Lee Hodson (R) in action with Celtic’s Patrick Roberts (2R)
Last week, The Scottish Sun reported that Celtic are willing to pay a £500,000 loan fee to take Roberts back to Celtic Park again next season, but those hopes appear to be fading amid new reports.
The Daily Mail report that Manchester City instead want to loan Roberts out to a Premier League club to further his development again, with a move abroad not out of the question just yet either.
Celtic’s Patrick Roberts celebrates scoring against Manchester City
It seems that City boss Pep Guardiola will have a look at Roberts over the summer before making a final decision on where he plays his football next season, though it seems unlikely that he will push for first-team football with City.
Celtic’s close relationship with City over recent years could keep them in the hunt for Roberts, but manager Rodgers should be lining up alternative transfer targets regardless, in case the Bhoys can’t extend Roberts’ loan deal into a third season.
Do you think Celtic will re-sign Roberts?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
