Manchester City are reportedly closing in on their first summer signing, with AS Monaco’s Bernardo Silva on the verge of completing a move.
BBC Sport have claimed that the Premier League giants are poised to complete a £43million deal for the attacking-midfielder on Friday, although the deal itself will not go ahead until July 1.
The reported deal represents a significant statement of intent from Etihad chief Pep Guardiola, who is swiftly looking to make amends for a disappointing season in 2016-17, and build a squad capable of winning silverware next season.
However, the deal could also have positive repercussions for Champions League rivals Celtic.
The Scottish champions are on the verge of losing exciting 20-year-old winger Patrick Roberts following the end of his loan spell, with the player set to return to Manchester City.
Roberts signed for Celtic back in January 2016 on an 18-month loan deal, but has been a key figure in Scotland, and Celtic would reap great rewards from keeping him on board for another season.
But Guardiola appeared certain to bring Roberts back into the fold at City next season, and offer a potentially important role in the first-team squad.
That was, however, before the imminent arrival of Portugal international, Silva.
With the deal looking set to be confirmed within the next 24 hours, it remains to be seen what that could mean for the role of Roberts at Man City next season.
City simply aren’t going to spend £43million on Silva to leave him on the bench, so if any of Guardiola’s wingers are to be playing the backup role at the club, it will likely be Roberts.
Therefore, Celtic must up their efforts to bring him back for an extended spell.
During his time at Parkhead, Roberts has contributed 17 goals and 21 assists from 59 appearances in all competitions, with a potential final farewell against Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup Final on Saturday.
But if Celtic really are serious about retaining the services of one of this season’s most consistent and most reliable performers, the Silva deal represents a perfect opportunity for them.
If Guardiola considers letting Roberts depart the club on loan again, it will likely be to another Premier League side, but Brendan Rodgers’ side have been a fantastic fit for Roberts, and the fans adore him.
Everyone at Celtic would love to see Roberts playing for the club next season, and Rodgers must now plead his case to his Manchester City counterpart.