Celtic have opened talks with Manchester City about extending Patrick Roberts loan deal beyond the end of this season.
Roberts joined Celtic on an 18 month loan last January with a view to helping the hoops into the Champions League and getting that level of experience.
City got a sample of his development when he scored at the Etihad in December as Celtic completed their campaign with a second draw against Pep Guardiola’s side.
Roberts has been in and out of Brendan Rodgers side with the hoops boss a big fan but tending to go with James Forrest and Scott Sinclair when available.
It’s highly unlikely that Roberts, who turns 20 next month, would go into the City side for next season with Celtic discussing the possibility of an extended loan.
“There is a line of communication between Patrick, ourselves and Manchester City to find a solution for him,” the Celtic boss told the print edition of the Daily Mail.
“I want to work with talented players of course I do but it’s about what Manchester City see as the next stage of his development.
“I have only been in for the last six months of his time here but I think that it has been a really fruitful period for him.
“He seems to be really enjoying his time here and has grown really close with the squad. There will be dialogue between now and the summer in terms of where he is at.”
Roberts played a key role in Celtic’s 1-1 draw away to Astana which effectively kicked off their Champions League campaign.
Injury in the return leg opened the door to Forrest who has had his career revived by Rodgers.
As a substitute Roberts played a key role in setting up goals away to Borussia Monchengladbach and Sevco but it’s likely that his next loan would require some sort of assurance regarding first team football.
