The Patrick Roberts jigsaw got closer to completion last night with serious indications that the winger wants to return to Celtic.
Both the Daily Mail and The Sun carried the story with the story in The Sun carrying two by-lines.
Over the weekend there was speculation that Roberts was interested in joining Nice who are also in next week’s Champions League Play-Off round but that story cooled with news that the French side had signed Allan Saint-Maximin from Nice.
Last night was the deadline for signings to be used in the Play-Off stage but one player can be added by 11pm on Monday- two days before Celtic host Astana.
News that Roberts is keen to return to Celtic will be music to Brendan Rodgers’ ears with the hoops boss making no secret of his admiration for the Manchester City winger.
Roberts was by no means a first team regular at Celtic last season but after picking the hoops ahead of the England u-20 side he played a major role in the final month of the season.
With the player keen to return to Celtic it seems that the only detail to be sorted is whether it is on loan or a permanent deal.
There are various ways to construct a permanent deal with a buy-back option for Manchester City protecting their interest and giving all three interested parties what they require.