NEIL WARNOCK has said that he would love to sign Paddy Roberts but that he needs to focus his efforts in bringing in defensive recruitments instead of attackers. This decision means that Celtic could potentially be unrivalled to sign Roberts, a player that spent two-and-a-half years in Glasgow.
The Manchester City winger impressed on Teeside but Warnock told Teeside Live that he would not be able to sign Roberts until he made other signings.
“I think the problem with Patrick is we’d have to sign two defensive full backs (to accommodate Roberts) and I’ve got other priorities,” he said.
“I’d like to sign full backs and I’d like to sign Patrick but I have to jiggle what I’ve got, what I can spend. At the moment it’s not a priority to sign a wide player playing there.”
Roberts is contracted to Man City until 2022 is available for transfer after falling down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola.
City, who shelled out an enormous fee for Roberts to Fulham in 2015 for £12m, were keen to see the value in Roberts in other markets. He was therefore sent to Girona, Norwich and Middlesbrough but injuries have curtailed his progress. Now, Celtic could potentially see value in going after their former loan star for a cut price deal.
Roberts scored 18 goals in 79 appearances in Scotland and was very impressive under Brendan Rodgers in the Invincible season. He may be keen on a move to Celtic as it would give him the chance to settle, something he hasn’t had the opportunity to do since leaving Celtic.
He had a successful two-and-a-half years leaving with seven trophies and the adoration of the support. Roberts has business interests in Glasgow and if Celtic make an offer, they would certainly stand in good stead to sign the winger.
James Forrest is the only natural wide right player with Jeremie Frimpong and Ryan Christie being utilised as well but Roberts has the spark that we have been missing, the ability to make something happen out of nothing.
It wouldn’t be a transfer window without a Paddy Roberts story nor would it be without the blind faith that this is the year it finally happens and he signs a permanent deal.
