West Ham and Leicester City will both make moves to sign Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts after the Scottish Cup final, according to the Daily Express.
The newspaper claim that the Hammers and the Foxes have both set dates to table bids for the 21-year-old flyer as they’re both keen to land Roberts when his loan deal at Celtic expires.
The Daily Express report that both Premier League clubs are prepared to strike a permanent deal to sign the £15million-rated winger, while the Hoops haven’t given up on the idea of permanently acquiring his services.
Roberts has spent the season on loan at the Scottish giants, registering five assists as well as scoring one goal in 18 appearances, and will end his current spell in Scotland after the Hoops’ cup final against Motherwell on Saturday.
Good move for West Ham?
Yes.
Roberts’ stats aren’t the most inspirational for this season as he has struggled with niggling injuries, however previous loan spells at Celtic have shown his potential.
Last season the right-side flyer scored 11 goals, while creating 19, in the 47 appearances he made and considering his age, he is only set to get better.
Also Roberts is determined to prove himself in the Premier League as after only making three top-flight appearances for Man City, he claimed he still had ambitions to do well in England’s top-flight.
As quoted by Sky Sports, he said: “Being an English player and having come through the system in the Premier League [the ambition] is to play for a top club in the Premier League.
“I’m at one now with Manchester City and they’re doing well but you’ve got to look at yourself, and what’s best for you, and try to pick the best option possible.”
The 21-year-old would get first-team opportunities at the Hammers and would go all out to see his ambitions finally get fulfilled.
Forever West Ham: 8/10
Likely to happen?
The Daily Express seem pretty confident that the Hammers are poised to take steps to signing him shortly, by claiming that they have plans to bid for him after his returns to Manchester City later this month.
The London-based club face competition from the Foxes, but given the stature of West Ham and the fact he used to play in London with Fulham, that should see them win the race for his signature.
While no official move has been made yet, it seems won’t be long to an approach is made.
Forever West Ham: 6/10
