It seems certain that Celtic will have to secure Champions League football to get Patrick Roberts back to the club.
A week ago the winger indicated to Manchester City that moving to Celtic would be his preference for a ‘new’ loan deal.
After 18 months in Glasgow it seems that City would prefer that the 20-year-old experiences something different with just over a fortnight left in the transfer window.
According to a report in The Sun: “However, SunSport understands Manchester City chiefs are very reluctant to grant the 20-year-old his wish to return to Parkhead for a second loan spell.”
Southampton seem to be the English side keenest on Roberts and should be able to offer EPL football at a reasonable level.
After the expectation at the start of last week hopes seem to have dampened down among Celtic fans about the prospect of Roberts returning.
Celtic face Astana in a Champions League Play-Off on Wednesday and have until 11pm on Tuesday to add a wild-card signing to their UEFA squad for the Play Off matches.
