Celtic and Southampton credited with interest in Sunderland favourite

Celtic and Southampton are both tracking Sunderland's Patrick Roberts ahead of the September 1st transfer deadline, it's been reported.

Roberts, 26, is entering the final year of his Sunderland contract, and it appears that the former Manchester City man could be on the move before September 1st.

Alan Nixon is reporting that Scottish giants Celtic and Championship side Southampton are both keen on a potential deal for Roberts.

The Englishman joined Sunderland in January 2022 and he's since racked up 68 total appearances for the Black Cats, scoring seven and assisting eight along the way.

He's been a crucial player for Tony Mowbray's side, especially last season when he recorded 12 total goal contributions in the Championship as Sunderland earned a spot in the top six.

So far this summer, Sunderland have offloaded Bailey Wright, Leon Dajaku, Isaac Lihadji, and Carl Winchester, with the Black Cats clearing their books to make way for younger players.

Roberts to leave Sunderland?

Roberts remains a key player for Mowbray, During the club's lack of strikers last season, Roberts really stepped up, playing in numerous positions and helping to keep the club on track.

And at 26, he's yet to really enter the prime years of his career, so he's a player with great ability and potential yet to fulfil, and given his contract situation, it's no surprise to see clubs taking an interest in him.

Sunderland look to be pretty ruthless with regards to some of their first-team players who are out of contract next summer; Danny Batth and Alex Prichard are two more important players who are seemingly up for sale.

Whether or not Roberts leaves remains to be seen. But if Sunderland aren't interested in selling then expect them to be keen on a new deal for the player.

Roberts to leave Sunderland?

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