Latest reports per Daily Star have confirmed that Premier League duo Leicester City and West Ham United are ready to battle for the signature of Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts. The England under-21 star is on loan at Celtic and has excelled in his loan spell for the Hoops. However, the 21-year-old is not seen as a part of the Guardiola team at the Etihad and that would mean the Premier League leaders would be open to selling him at the right price. Roberts is valued at around £15 million in the market something that might increase should the bidding war star between the Hammers and the Foxes, according to the Daily Star.
The tension amongst the three clubs have already garnered momentum after David Moyes’ side failed to sign Islam Slimani in the January transfer window and Man City failed to negotiate a deal for Leicester winger Riyad Mahrez on the deadline day. It was said that Claude Puel was holding out for a place plus cash deal that included Patrick Roberts moving to the King Power Stadium. Pep Guardiola’s side were on terms with including Roberts in any deal for Mahrez but backed out at the 2015/16 Premier League winners demand in terms of the transfer sun and the move collapsed. This would mean City would be highly disinterested in entering transfer business with Leicester. That would leave West Ham as clear front-runners unless Celtic decide to get in on the act.
Roberts has played 72 matches for Celtic scoring 18 goals along and making 24 assists. The former Fulham player could well be headed for a summer of a great transfer-of-war between the Foxes, Celtic and West Ham.
Celtic’s domestic performances have been very contrasting to their European form this season. While in the Scottish Premier League, the Bhoys 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, the Hoops opened their Champions League season with a heavy defeat 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 maulled 7-1.
Celtic, however, still managed to secure the third spot and qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League, once again reminding Europe that they are there and thereabout. With Brendan Rodgers’ men 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.