Leicester should re-visit a move for Patrick Roberts in the summer

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Leicester City were keen on including Roberts in any deal which involved Riyad Mahrez heading to the Etihad Stadium.

It has been reported in the Daily Mail that Leicester City were keen on landing Manchester City youngster Patrick Roberts, 20, on top of a large cash sum for want-away winger Riyad Mahrez, 26.

Mahrez had supposedly handed in a transfer request to try to force through a deadline day move to the Premier League leaders. However, the Foxes were able to successfully hold on to their talisman, much to his disappointment.

Roberts is currently on loan with Celtic, his second stint with the Scottish giants, having made the trip back north of the border following an incredibly successful first spell.

To date, Roberts has scored 18 goals in 70 appearances for the Celts, winning five trophies. The English youngster has also put in some highly impressive performances in the Champions League, and is thought to be very highly rated by his parent club according to the Daily Record.

With the former Fulham wide man due to return to Manchester at the end of the season, Leicester could well re-visit the potential deal as they step up their search for a Mahrez replacement.

Claude Puel’s side may have managed to hold on to the Aglerian this January, but it is looking likely that the former PFA Player’s Player of the Year will depart the King Power Stadium in the near future.

A move for Roberts may actually suit both parties. City are keen on holding on to the youngster, however, given the calibre of player that Pep Guardiola has to choose from in attack, it is unlikely that the 21-year-old will be given much of a chance, despite his impressive performances in Scotland.

Roberts has no experience playing in the Premier League, and a move to Leicester could be the perfect opportunity for the winger to prove he is the real deal, and able to handle the pressures of England’s top flight.

Perhaps a loan deal, or permanent transfer with a buy-back clause would be suitable for both clubs, but this remains to be seen.

Nevertheless, it is highly unlikely that Celtic will be able to afford the City youngster when his current loan expires. Roberts is believed to be rated at £15m by his parent club and would simply cost too much money for the Hoops to afford.

On top of this, with Charly Musonda now on their books for the next 18 months, the Glasgow club are already evidently preparing for life after Roberts, who will undoubtedly have his heart set on making it in the Premier League.