Celtic will need to secure Champions League football if they are to get Patrick Roberts back to Glasgow.

The England under-20 internationalist travelled with Manchester City yesterday afternoon and is in their squad to play in Girona this evening.

And his inclusion scuppered any moves Celtic had of a dramatic last-minute deal for the winger.

Parkhead chiefs have been in constant dialogue with City over Roberts. Those talks will continue in effort to get the player back to Glasgow.

And while the winger won't make it for tomorrow night's game against Astana, the first-leg of Celtic's conclusive play-off round, the Parkhead side retain hope that a deal could yet be done before the closure of the window at the end of this month.

City remain convinced that the player needs exposure to Premier League football, although Roberts has requested a loan move back to Celtic.

Southampton look likeliest at the minute to land the player on loan, although having the carrot of the Champions League may work in Celtic's favour.

The Parkhead side could also be boosted too by the saga of Virgil van Dijk at St Mary's.

The player has handed in a transfer request at the club and yesterday his chances of a move were boosted when the club ownership changed hands.

Chelsea are believed to be back at the table and with Liverpool and Manchester City also still keeping tabs of the situation, Celtic could profit from any move.

Van Dijk formally requested a transfer from Southampton after a proposed move to Liverpool broke down after the St Mary's club accused Juergen Klopp's side of illegally tapping up the Dutch defender.

With Celtic expected to bank a 10 per cent sell-on clause, there will be interested eyes of Van Dijk's next step.