Celtic to complete summer forward transfer with PL giants - report
By Alex Stevens
Patrick Roberts will transfer back to Manchester City when his loan spell at Celtic ends in the summer, according to a report.
The Mail claim that the winger, 20, is expected to return to Etihad Stadium at the end of the season when his 18-month loan comes to an end.
This will be a big blow to Celtic, who have been keen to extend the stay of the dazzling wide player, who has made a big impact in the last two seasons.
Manager Brendan Rodgers has spoken of his intention of attempting to keep Roberts for another campaign but it appears that will now fall on deaf ears and his registration will return to City.
It means that Celtic will have to turn their attention to landing another wide forward in the forthcoming transfer window in addition to current first choices Scott Sinclair and James Forrest.
The Mail report that Rodgers will be handed a transfer kitty of £15million to strengthen a squad that domestically has conquered all comers this season.
Rodgers has been a key figure for Celtic this season, scoring six goals and laying on an impressive 15 assists in 39 matches in all competitions.
In total, he has struck 12 goals and supplied 17 assists in 52 matches for the Scottish giants to justify his billing as an outstanding emerging player.
Rodgers was handed a four-year contract last week just days after Celtic secured their sixth consecutive Scottish Premiership title in record time on the back of a 31-match unbeaten run.
The Hoops have already won the Scottish Cup while there’s also a Scottish Cup semi-final to come against Rangers in 10 days as they chase a first domestic clean sweep for 16 years.
Rodgers also took Celtic into the Champions League group stages, where they secured a memorable draw against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.
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