Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers admits his side would have broken transfer record to sign Patrick Roberts

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Brendan Rodgers says Celtic would have broken their transfer record to sign Manchester City’s Patrick Roberts.

The 20-year-old winger rejoined the Scottish champions on a season-long loan last week, ending a summer of speculation over whether or not he would return to Celtic Park.

Rodgers admits he wanted to make the move a permanent one and was prepared to set a new club record for transfer fee paid, which currently stands at £6million for both Chris Sutton and John Hartson.

Brendan Rodgers says Celtic would have broken their transfer record for Patrick Roberts

‘We would have broken our transfer record for Patrick,’ said Rodgers, speaking at an event in Belfast to raise money for the Northern Ireland Hospice. 

‘We wanted to find the deal that would get him back here. But he’s a Manchester City player. We could have offered them £30m and they would have said no. 

'They didn’t want to sell. So the best option was to get him back on loan.’ Roberts - an England Under-20 international - won the domestic treble under Rodgers last season and the influence of the manager played a part in him turning down offers from the Premier League.

Roberts ended up sealing a season-long loan after Manchester City refused to sell

Rodgers suggested the club could have even made a £30million bid for the young winger

‘All the support and love I have been getting has been brilliant,’ said Roberts. ‘I love it here and to be back is great. I’m thankful to be finally here.

‘We had a good end to the season, which obviously helped and playing for these great fans was also a factor in coming back. I can’t wait to get going again.

‘The manager has been brilliant with me. He obviously wanted me back. I had a decision to make after pre-season and Brendan Rodgers was a huge factor in that. ‘He is a top manager. I believe I can develop under him even more.’