Dazzling forward next most likely player to sign for Celtic – Football Whispers
By Harry Sykes
Winger Patrick Roberts is the most likely to be the next Celtic signing in the summer transfer window, according to a report.
Sky Sports’ transfer section regularly plugs its Football Whispers section, which claimed on Monday afternoon that the Manchester City wide forward is the likeliest Parkhead arrival in the next five weeks.
Celtic have made only minor amendments to the squad that secured the domestic treble last season.
But manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted he would love to sign Roberts, 20, on a permanent deal after a hugely impressive 18-month loan spell that ended in May.
“Pat would be amazing for here,” Rodgers said of signing Roberts at the weekend. “I think everyone could see that.
“But it all goes down to, one, Manchester City and how they see his future there. He has gone away on tour with them and got some game time. They will make a decision after that.”
Football Whispers, which gathers all transfer rumours across the globe and calculates the likelihood of them happening, rates it 3.0 out of 5 that Roberts will join Celtic, with five the highest possible ranking and meaning it is a certainty.
The attacker is ahead in the ratings of Brighton winger Jamie Murphy, who has a rating of 2.0, and Chelsea central midfielder Mario Pasalic, who is rated at 1.8 to transfer to Parkhead this summer.
Football Insider verdict:
Mobile, direct, pace and with skills to die for, it is little wonder that Celtic are pushing hard to sign Roberts permanently. They have a glimmer of hope, too. Pep Guardiola has more options than seems fair in the attacking positions and, if Raheem Sterling can’t get a game, then it is hard to see the younger Roberts being a regular any time soon. There is said to be huge interest in the young winger from across the globe but Celtic can offer a regular starting role, European football (maybe), unbelievably passionate support and a manager who has a strong track record of developing top young talent.
In other Celtic transfer news, Football Insider has revealed the Hoops are in the hunt to sign a dazzling attacking midfielder as late window interest to reach fever pitch.
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