Transfer journalist Alan Nixon believes Celtic are one of the teams interested in Sunderland winger Patrick Roberts this summer.
Nixon, who first reported Ben McPherson’s loan move to Queen’s Park and has also reported that the Bhoys are keen on Manchester City’s Tommy Doyle, has stated today that Brendan Rodgers remains a huge admirer of the winger and could make a bid for him during the transfer window.
It is reported by Nixon that Sunderland are aware of growing interest in Roberts this summer, with his current contract due to expire at the end of the current season. Southampton are also said to be keen on his services.
As a result, it’s said Sunderland are already looking at different winger options including a potential loan move for Crystal Palace’s Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.
Patrick Roberts Celtic return feels distant despite link
Roberts always seems to come in Celtic conversations regarding transfers. Whether it’s discussions between supporters or the odd reported return link, it’s become routine for Celtic fans to consider and, frankly in recent years, to dismiss.
It’s a long time since the former Man City prospect was at the Bhoys. He left for good a full five years ago now. He’s had ups and downs since then and, while still admiring Celtic from afar, a return has never felt right.
To his credit, after a few years of bouncing between clubs, he has found a home at Sunderland and produced some good form for them in the English Championship last season. He remains a starter at the Stadium of Light and featured in their 2-1 win over Rotherham yesterday.
He did, however, limp off with an apparent hamstring injury. Tony Mowbray has stated he doesn’t know the full extent of the issue but was heartened that he didn’t require treatment outside of the physio room. [The Chronicle]
It was probably always inevitable, with Rodgers returning and Roberts on an expiring contract, that he would be linked with a Celtic return. The winger did play the best football of his career under the returning manager after all.
But it would still feel like a step backwards for many and, right now, the aim of the game at Celtic is all about progression and bringing in talents that can be improved over time to an elite level.
As popular as Roberts once was in the Hoops – and the talent he still holds – a return still doesn’t feel right. So we can probably chalk this one up to press speculation and move on unless further reporting emerges.
In other news, Dominik Livakovic at centre of wild Saturday night drama that banks Celtic extra UEFA cash.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
