Patrick Roberts has been linked with a move to Celtic.
Alan Nixon has reported that the Scottish champions are interested in re-signing the Sunderland winger, with Southampton also monitoring him.
Roberts spent two and a half years on loan with Celtic earlier in his career, arguably playing some of his best football as he netted 15 goals and provided 14 assists in the Scottish Premiership.
The ‘magic’ forward signed a new two-year contract with Sunderland last summer and is yet to put pen to paper after enjoying a brilliant campaign last time out, bagging five goals and seven assists in the Championship.
Roberts has been loosely linked with a move away all summer, however Nixon has claimed that Celtic now hold concrete interest in their former player.
Will Patrick Roberts join Celtic?
Patrick Roberts is yet to receive a new contract offer from Sunderland, though he is expected to open talks with the club following the transfer window.
The Black Cats’ intentions of delaying talks may come back to bite them however, if he leaves Wearside before deadline day passes.
The winger clearly enjoyed a lot of success in Glasgow, lifting three league titles, two Scottish Cups and two Scottish League Cups.
With the Hoops still dominating Scottish football and once again qualifying for the Champions League, returning to the club may prove very tempting for Roberts.
Sunderland are going to have to make their desire to keep hold of him very clear if they aren’t to make a disastrous mistake in selling him.