ROBERTS RETURN?

Rodgers is interested in bringing winger back as Arzani deal nears

CELTIC manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted an interest in re-signing Patrick Roberts from Manchester City, as he confirmed that the club is closing in on a two-year loan deal for Australian World Cup starlet Daniel Arzani.

Playmaker Arzani, 19, is on the verge of sealing a move from Melbourne City to the English champions and the plan is that he will immediately be farmed out to Celtic.

If Rodgers has his way, there may be more cross-border business between Parkhead and the Etihad and he hopes the early closure of the English transfer window may bring Roberts back into focus for a third and possibly permanent stint in Glasgow.

Roberts returned to City at the end of last season following the completion of a second loan spell and, while it had been expected that he would then be sold to a rival English club, he remains on City’s books.

The 21-year-old was tipped to join Leicester in the deal that saw Pep Guardiola land Riyad Mahrez, but City’s straight purchase of the Algerian has merely served to push Roberts down the pecking order.

Roberts was part of the Celtic teams that

clinched back-to-back Trebles in Rodgers’ first two seasons in Glasgow and the manager admits he would love to work with the winger again.

He said: ‘I think Patrick is one of those players you look at and see what happens over the next period of time.

‘He has been away with Man City in pre-season and our eyes are open to lots of options.

‘He was unfortunate last season because he sustained an injury early on. But he is a fantastic player and we are always going to be interested in top-class players. That is maybe where the advantage will come with the window down south closing early.

‘By that stage, players will know where they are at their clubs. So it is just a case of looking and waiting to see what happens.’

The youngest player to participate in this summer’s World Cup finals, Arzani’s deal will be subject to a work permit and Rodgers confirmed that the Iran-born prospect would not be ready to face AEK Athens in Wednesday’s first leg of the third round Champions League qualifier. He added: ‘He is an exciting young talent and we’ll see if we can get that organised over the next few days.

‘He has only just flown in and hasn’t trained. He was at the World Cup, so it will be a number of weeks before he is up to speed.’

Arzani’s international team-mate Tom Rogic got Celtic’s Premiership title defence off and running with the first goal in yesterday’s 3-1 victory over Livingston and admitted he was looking forward to welcoming his compatriot.

‘He is a good kid, only young but definitely a talent,’ said Rogic. ‘As an attacking player, he will excite the fans and I know the clubs are working hard to get him here.

‘He has bags of potential and it will be a great learning experience for him. It will be a challenge for Daniel and he will need a bit of time but his future is bright.’

Rodgers declared himself satisfied after yesterday’s win but will check on the fitness of midfielder Olivier Ntcham before Wednesday’s visit of AEK.

He added: ‘It was a very good performance for us. We had good tempo and energy which is never easy against a team when they sit in. Livingston made it difficult for us, they have an honest group of players.

‘Some of our play was exceptional. Our only complaint was the goal we conceded when Olivier was injured and unable to go back with his man.

‘He took what looked a sore one on the ankle and we will assess that.’