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Southampton target Patrick Roberts primed for Celtic medical

By Chris Hughes

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - APRIL 02: Patrick Roberts of Celtic celebrates scoring his sides fourth goal during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Hearts and Celtic at Tynecastle Stadium on April 2, 2017 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - APRIL 02: Patrick Roberts of Celtic celebrates scoring his sides fourth goal during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Hearts and Celtic at Tynecastle Stadium on April 2, 2017 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
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Southampton could be set to miss out on another transfer target, with Patrick Roberts looking set to return to Scottish champions Celtic.

After being at an impasse for much of the summer, it seems like Manchester City have finally bent and will let young winger Patrick Roberts return to Celtic on loan.

Southampton have reportedly been long-term admirers of the 20-year-old, and have been working to bring the youngster in all summer in order to add pace and depth to a thin front-line.

It was reported that parent-club City were keen for him to step up and stay in the Premier League, whilst Roberts was more interested in a return to Celtic, where he has spent the last 18 months on loan.

Related Story: Do Southampton lack attacking options?

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – APRIL 29: Patrick Roberts of Celtic is brought down by Myles Beerman of Rangers leading to a penalty during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on April 29, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – APRIL 29: Patrick Roberts of Celtic is brought down by Myles Beerman of Rangers leading to a penalty during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on April 29, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /

According to multiple sources, Roberts is set for a Celtic medical and it’s believed that he will join the side for another year, after scoring 11 times last term for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

There’s no denial that Roberts will record a much-more handsome goal tally playing north of the border, but his progression as a footballer could’ve been much steeper playing in the competitive and physical Premier League.

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Roberts’ all-but complete return to Glasgow leaves the Saints with little time to bring in another attacking option – with a striker or winger needed for the end of the transfer deadline this week.

Both Jay Rodriguez and Sam Gallagher have left the club on permanent and temporary deals respectively, whilst down each wing the squad arguably lacks depth and players who can run at defenders.

With Shane Long currently playing as more of the winger the club could have solved that problem in itself, but it means that the side have just two out-and-out strikers on their books. Whilst Roberts plays out on the wing, he would still have added another dimension to the attacking line.

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