Tom Boyd doubtful Celtic will be able to re-sign Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts

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Celtic had been linked with a permanent move for Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts, but their former captain is doubtful about a move.

Patrick Roberts

Tom Boyd has told the Daily Record that he doubts that Celtic will be able to re-sign Patrick Roberts on a permanent basis from Manchester City due to the numbers involved in a potential deal.

Roberts was seemingly one of the players that Celtic fans wanted to see Brendan Rodgers sign this summer following his excellent 18-month loan spell at Parkhead, during which he played a crucial role in helping the Hoops win the domestic treble.

And the Daily Mirror appeared to suggest at the start of the month that a permanent return to the Bhoys could be on the cards with talks at advanced stage.

However, BBC Sport has since reported that Celtic are one of 12 clubs interested in the former Fulham starlet, and that their bid for the 20-year-old fell well short of City’s valuation.

And Boyd has seemingly suggested that Celtic fans simply have to come to terms with the fact that Roberts is unlikely to return, certainly on a permanent basis.

“I don’t think we’ll need too many additions to the team. We’ve lost one in Patrick Roberts – although not our player – but we’ve replaced him with Jonny Hayes,” he told the Record.

“You can’t sign a player like Patrick Roberts with the fee and the associated wages that come with him.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers

“So to use the loan system is great – if the players come in do what they are supposed to do.”

While Boyd has his doubts, it would certainly be a surprise if Rodgers gives up on trying to bring Roberts back before his future is decided once and for all.

It is surely fair to suggest that the Hoops already have a squad that is strong enough to maintain their domestic dominance, so focusing all of their energy on trying to bring Roberts back may not prove particularly harmful, and may perhaps see them land the kind of player who could enable them to make a greater impact in Europe.