Latest reports have confirmed that Leicester City are ready to battle West Ham United for the signature of Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts. The 21-year-old is on loan at Celtic and has excelled in his loan spell for the Hoops. However, he is not seen as a part of the Guardiola team at the Etihad and that would mean City would be open to selling him at the right price. He has valued at around £15 million in the market something that might increase should the Hammers fight the Foxes for the player’s signature.
The tension amongst the three clubs have already peaked after David Moyes’ men failed to land Islam Slimani in the January transfer window and City failed to negotiate a deal for Foxes winger Riyad Mahrez on the deadline day. It was said that Claude Puel was holding out for a player plus cash deal that included Patrick Roberts moving to the King Power Stadium. City was on terms with moving on Roberts but baulked at Leicester’s demand in terms of the transfer sum and the move collapsed.
Roberts has made 72 appearances for Celtic scoring 18 goals and making 24 assists. The former Fulham player could well be headed for a summer of a great tug-of-war between Leicester and West Ham.
As for the Foxes, Leicester City’s fairytale grasped the attention of the entire world in the 2015-16 season. From being threatened by relegation in the 2014-15 season, Claudio Ranieri’s side went on to an incredible title win the next season as the world stood to watch in amazement.
Winning the Premier League changed the club overnight. They had become one of the English sides to represent Europe, they were linked with big-name signings and most importantly they were being referred to as defending champions. As several big names began to make their way to the club, Leicester grew in stature.
As Ranieri made way for Craig Shakespeare, the influx of new players continued with the club optimistic of another strong season in England’s top flight. Shakespeare who took charge of the club last season after title-winning manager Claudio Ranieri was sacked unceremoniously in February, led the foxes to a twelfth place finish last season. He has since been replaced by Claude Puel who has done an excellent job at the King Power Stadium and adding Roberts to their arsenal will only make the team stronger although they might have to accept Mahrez moving the other way if they want to complete the deal.
