Is Manchester City’s Patrick Roberts ready for Premier League football at Southampton?

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This summer has been a fairly quiet one by Southampton’s standards. Jan Bednarek has been the only arrival to St. Mary’s so far this summer, but The Sun believe that he could soon be joined by Manchester City starlet Patrick Roberts on a season-long loan move.

What would he bring to Saint Mary’s?

Quick and skillful, 20-year-old Roberts is a threatening winger who will look to give Premier League full-backs nightmares with his direct style and running. He loves to take on defenders, often leaving them for dead.

Capable of playing on either flank or as a central striker if required, the former Fulham man likes to cut inside and take shots for himself. That, combined with his fine finishing, makes him a real danger man.

Is he ready for the step up?

Roberts made a huge impact for Celtic last season and was key to their incredible run to the Scottish Premier League title. 11 goals in 47 games was an impressive return from the right flank.

On top of that, Roberts made an impression in the Champions League, scoring one goal in Europe’s elite competition. His displays there caught the eye of many, including Manchester City fans when he scored against his parent club in the clearest indication that he could cope with life in the Premier League.

Is a move likely?

The arrival of Bernardo Silva will make it even harder for Roberts to break into the Manchester City first team this campaign, with several players ahead of him in the pecking order.

French side Nice have also registered an interest, whilst Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has made it clear that he would like to take the winger on loan again after an 18 month spell in Glasgow.

Southampton do have room for him, particularly after the sale of Jay Rodriguez. A move would make sense and given the Saints’ and Mauricio Pellegrino’s reputation for bringing young players through, it could be the perfect opportunity for Roberts to make a name for himself in the Premier League.