Manchester City and Patrick Roberts remain at impasse over Southampton transfer
By Chris Hughes
The decision regarding Patrick Roberts’ future is still yet to to be decided, with both the winger and his parent club yet to agree on a destination.
Southampton have been linked with young English winger Patrick Roberts all summer. Other names have been mentioned from time-to-time but only one forward has been consistently linked with the Saints across this transfer window.
However that doesn’t mean that Mauricio Pellegrino’s side are any closer to securing the services of the 20-year-old.
In fact, according to the latest media reports, club and player are no closer to agreeing a destination for the former Fulham star, with Celtic getting impatient with the forward.
The Scottish champions were hoping to have brought him in order to register him for their Champions League squad ahead of a game against FC Astana tomorrow. However, with squad registration required today it’s looking less and less likely that Brendan Rodgers will have his man.
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This is because despite Roberts’ desire to move back up north Pep Guardiola and Manchester City would rather he spent a season in the Premier League, in order to take the step after 18 months in Scotland.
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Therefore it’s best assumed that the Citizens would rather he spent a season with the Saints, with the south-coast outfit the only side showing serious interest in bringing him in.
Despite earlier reports suggesting the contrary, the deal would only be temporary whichever club he signs for, with Guardiola not ready to part ways with the young winger just yet. Roberts has shown glimmers of serious potential with 15 goals from 43 appearances in the league alone for the Bhoys.
Meanwhile Celtic are also keen to tie Stuart Armstrong down to a bumper new deal in the coming weeks, following fresh interest from the Saints are being linked with him earlier this summer.
Despite signing Mario Lemina the deal involving Armstrong – who’s contract expires next summer – would only be around £3 million, a fee hard to turn down in today’s market.