PL club set to rival Celtic in race for 17-goal attacker – report

Wed 19 July 2017 12:43, UK

By Matt Bullin

Southampton are weighing up a loan move for Manchester City ace Patrick Roberts, according to a report.

The Daily Record claims Saints manager Mauricio Pellegrino is keen to sign the 20-year-old attacker, although Celtic still retain an interest in the player.

It is said Roberts is currently with City on their pre-season tour of the United States as manager Pep Guardiola wants to assess him before deciding on whether the player will be allowed to leave Manchester on loan or permanently this summer.

The report also states Ligue 1 outfit Nice are interested in taking the fleet-footed forward on loan next term.

Come the end of the 2016-17 campaign Roberts completed an 18-month spell at Parkhead, where he provided 21 assists from 60 appearances in all competitions.

The 20-year-old became a real fan favourite during his spell at the Hoops, as his attacking displays also saw him find the net on 17 occasions.

Football Insider verdict

Roberts looked the real deal at the Bhoys last term, and there is no doubt that the Scottish club wants him back as they look to defend their domestic treble in 2017-18. However, Guardiola may be interested to see how the 20-year-old fares in the Premier League – so he may prefer for the player to spend a season at St Mary’s rather than return to Parkhead. Either way the club who secures Roberts’ services will be getting a fine young player who is able to create plenty of goal scoring opportunities, as well as netting himself.