Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers could launch a move to bring Sunderland winger Patrick Roberts back to Parkhead.
Patrick Roberts is allegedly on Celtic’s transfer radar as Brendan Rodgers considers a return for the winger.
That is according to The Sun’s Alan Nixon, who claims that Roberts is attracting interest.
It’s stated that Southampton are keen to sign Roberts with Russell Martin taking a keen interest in the former Manchester City talent.
The report adds that Brendan Rodgers is a ‘huge fan’ of Roberts and may find the money for a Celtic bid in the coming weeks.
Rodgers coached Roberts during his time on loan at Celtic with the 26-year-old arguably enjoying the best time of his career under Rodgers.
12 goals and 24 assists in 65 games under Rodgers saw Roberts become a firm favourite at Celtic before moving on to Girona, Norwich City, Middlesbrough, Derby County, Troyes and Sunderland.
Sunderland are already looking at potential replacements with Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi wanted.
Hard to see Patrick Roberts back at Celtic this summer
Maybe Rodgers thinks that he can get the best out of Roberts again.
Rodgers was even linked with signing Roberts during his time as Leicester City boss, highlighting his admiration.
It’s hard to imagine this one happening this summer though given that Celtic seem to be going in a different direction.
One look at Celtic’s business this summer shows a clear strategy – they’re signing young players with potential resale value.
Odin Thiago Holm is just 20, Marco Tilio and Yang Hyun-jun are 21, Kwon Hyeok-kyu and Maik Nawrocki are 22 and new signing Gustaf Lagerbielke is the relative old head of the group at 23.
Celtic just don’t seem to be going for players like Roberts anymore and such a move would be a departure from their current plan.
Roberts isn’t ancient at 26, far from it, but he’s just not the profile Celtic are going for right now even with Rodgers coming back.
It’s also important to note that Roberts went off injured for Sunderland against Rotherham United on Saturday afternoon.
A transfer seems very unlikely for him right now and we just can’t see a route back to Celtic for him.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
