Roberts was linked with a move away from Wearside over the weekend, with Celtic and Southampton linked
It would be a huge disappointment for Sunderland if they lost the services of winger Patrick Roberts during this summer’s transfer window.
That is the verdict of former England international midfielder Carlton Palmer, who feels the Black Cats have to balance out their young talent with ‘experience’ and despite only being 26 himself, he feels Roberts fits that bill.
It was reported over the weekend that Sunderland have joined the race to sign Jesurun Rak-Sakyi on loan from Crystal Palace. The Black Cats have been touted as a potential destination for the former Chelsea youngster, who has also attracted interest from Sunderland’s Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, Sunderland are keen on the 20-year-old as a potential replacement for Patrick Roberts, who is on the radar of both Celtic and Southampton.
However, Palmer feels Sunderland should be doing everything they can to keep hold of Roberts, who has entered the final year of his contract at the Stadium of Light.
“It’s reported that Celtic and Southampton are keen on signing Patrick Roberts from Sunderland,” Palmer told Football League World.
“Patrick has played for Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers before and had a very successful spell with him. This would be a huge disappointment to Sunderland [if they were to lose him].
He’s had a very good start to the season and he’s a very very good player. He’s in his prime at 26, and as I’ve said, Sunderland have a lot of young players and they’ve got to balance that out with experience.
“But, he is attracting a lot of attention, and rightly so after his performances last season and at the start of this season.”
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