Rodgers hoping to strike new deal for Roberts

Patrick Roberts has enjoyed a terrific loan spell with Celtic over the last 12 months and Brendan Rodgers doesn’t want it to come to an end.

Despite the loan deal expiring at the end of the season, Celtic are eager to bring Roberts back on a second loan deal if Pep Guardiola allows him to leave the Etihad next season according to today’s print edition of the Mail on Sunday.

Rodgers spoke to them and said:

There is a line of communication between Patrick, ourselves and Manchester City to find a solution for him.

He seems to be really enjoying his time here and has grown really close with the squad. There will be dialogue between now and the summer in terms of where he is at.

The 19-year-old has featured in 17 of the last 18 league games for Celtic and has played a part in their unbeaten start to the season, scoring four goals and assisting in a further six strikes in all competitions this season.

Signed by Manchester City from Fulham 18 months ago in a deal which could rise to £12 million, the England Under-21 international made just three appearances for City before leaving to join Celtic on an 18-month loan which has been great for his development.

City are aware of his form and progress, especially after he netted against them in the Champions League group stages earlier in the season, but it remains to be seen if Guardiola is ready to hand the teenager a first-team place next term.

If he is to leave on loan again, Celtic remain interested in taking him on a temporary basis once again.