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 is 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 were on terms with moving on Roberts but baulked at Leicester’s demand in terms of the transfer sum and the move collapsed. This would mean that City would be highly disinterested in selling to Leicester. That would leave West Ham as clear front-runners unless Celtic decide to get in on the act.
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 City, Celtic and West Ham.
Celtic’s domestic performances have been very contrasting to their European form this season. While in the Scottish Premier League they have been nothing but ruthless and dominating, their Champions League adventure saw them struggle in front of the European powerhouses.
Celtic have won eighteen and drawn six in the league and lost twice. However, as one might recall, they opened their Champions League campaign with a heavy defeat drubbing at the hands of Paris Saint Germain and were again reminded of the difference in class between the two sides in their last outing when they were thrashed 7-1.
They, however, still clinched the third spot and qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League, once again reminding Europe that they are there and thereabout. With the club managing to hang around in Europe and a domestic season where they look set to clinch another title, making the move for a player like Roberts permanent may not be the worst idea, although the price might be set too high.
