Celtic are free to bring back former star as rivals pull out

It looks like Celtic have an open shot at bringing back the former star if they choose to as the favourites for his signature till now have pulled out.

Celtic have done some impressive business in the transfer window this season, getting permanent deals done for Vasilis Barkas, Albian Ajeti and David Turnbull for a combined fee in the region of £12 million while also securing loan moves for Mohamed Elyounoussi and Shane Duffy. But that does not mean that the squad is perfect and more signings could be made before the transfer window closes.

The top priority of course would be a new left-back. After the departure of Boli Bolingoli, the club only have one recognised left-back in the form of Greg Taylor. And Taylor himself has not been the most convincing either.

That does not mean though that other positions do not need reinforcements. Right wing is another position that could do with another option. James Forrest has been criticised in recent months for his bad run of form and Neil Lennon only has the inexperienced Karamoko Dembele as back-up.

Yes, Dembele has all the talent in the world and fans would hope that he will get significant playing time this season but an injury to Forrest would leave Celtic exposed in the position. Thus, the club could be tempted to bring back Patrick Roberts.

Roberts career has fallen off after leaving Celtic. That has been a combination of bad form and the clubs he has played for though. And he could probably still do a job at the right club. It had looked like Middlesbrough could be his most likely destination but those rumours have been squandered by manager Neil Warnock.

As reported by the Glasgow Times, Warnock said:

"“I think the problem with signing Patrick is that we’d have to sign two defensive full-backs and I have more priorities. I’d like to sign full-backs and I’d like to sign Patrick but I have to sort of juggle what I’ve got, what I can spend, what the chances are and at the moment it’s not a priority to sign a wide player who can play there.”"

It is up to the Hoops now if they want to make a move. Roberts might not have been on top form for quite some time now but we know that he can get it done at Celtic. If available at a bargain, it would not be the worst idea to give him another chance.