As reported in exclusive by The Scottish Sun, Celtic are exploring an unexpected way of keeping Patrick Roberts at Celtic Park next season.

What's the story?

Roberts has had a phenomenal season in the Scottish Premiership, leading the club's assists charts and scoring nine goals across the campaign.

He's become a big fan favourite and the only downside to it all is that he is returning to parent club Manchester City this summer.

However, his time in Glasgow may not be over according to a new report from The Scottish Sun. They reckon Celtic are ready to pay up to £500,000 to take the winger on loan for a third season.

As quoted by the paper, an Etihad source said:

Celtic have shown an interest in taking Patrick back again and are willing to pay a big loan fee for him. He has been there 18-months already and has been a star. He is very highly-rated both sides of the border. Pep would like to take a closer look at him to see if he is ready to play for the club on a regular basis next season though.

While the deal is far from a certainty, Celtic supporters will at least be heartened to hear the club are doing all they can to have him stick around and entertain for one more season at least.

How good is he?

Roberts has been outstanding for Celtic since joining and recently appears to be reaching the peak of his form across the 18 months he has been at the club.

At just 20 years old he is improving by the week and becoming more and more consistent. He's directly contributed to 30 goals in his time in Glasgow, 15 goals and 15 assists.

While £500k appears to be a lot of money for a loan deal, if he can help them reach the group stages of the UEFA Champions League once again and their fight for a seventh title in a row, then it could be very much worth it.

Given Pep Guardiola's reported admiration for the winger, it's unlikely the club will be able to do a permanent deal and one more season with the Hoops could be the best case scenario.

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