Brendan Rodgers is planning to speak to Manchester City about Patrick Roberts.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has told The Scottish Sun that he is planning talks with Manchester City over Patrick Roberts’ future.
Rodgers has enjoyed a remarkable stint at Celtic manager so far, as he’s led his side to 19 wins from 20 league games, dropping just two points so far.
A number of his players have starred this season, and Celtic will subsequently be trying to keep the likes of Kieran Tierney, Jozo Simunovic and Moussa Dembele out of the clutches of Premier League sides.
Celtic’s Patrick Roberts shoots
One player whose future Celtic can’t control is Patrick Roberts, who is one year into an 18-month loan deal with the Bhoys from Premier League giants Manchester City.
Roberts, 19, cost City £11million when they signed him from Fulham in the summer of 2015 (The Guardian), but was sent out on loan to Celtic last January, and he notched six goals in 13 games under Ronny Deila last season.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
Deila’s departure means that Roberts is now under the tutelage of Brendan Rodgers, and he’s been in and out of the side this term, but has scored three goals – including a Champions League strike against parent club City.
With January upon us, the winger is now entering the final few months of his deal with Celtic, and manager Rodgers has commented on the teenager’s future with the Bhoys.
Rodgers has told The Scottish Sun that he wants to work with quality players like Roberts, and whilst he’s planning talks between now and the summer over potentially extending Roberts’ loan, it’s ultimately down to City and what they see as the next step in his development.
“I want to work with talented players but it’s about what City see as the next stage of Patrick’s development,” said Rodgers. “I have only been in for the last six months of his time here but I think it has been a fruitful period.”
“He seems to be really enjoying his time here and has grown really close with the squad. There will be dialogue between now and the summer in terms of where he is at. Patrick is very important for us, whether he starts or comes off the bench. His talent is there for all to see,” he added.
Would you like to see Roberts stay at Celtic?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
