West Ham and Leicester want Man City ace Roberts

Bengaluru, February 9: London giants West Ham United are set to compete with Leicester City for the signing of Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts.

The Hammers failed to land Islam Slimani from King Power during the January transfer window and there is tension at boardroom level between the clubs.

And, the rivalry between the two clubs could spark up once again for Man City youngster Roberts who has made a name for himself in his loan spell with Scottish giants Celtic.

The two clubs will go head-to-head for Roberts this summer in a £15million deal.

Claude Puel wanted the 21-year-old, Roberts who is currently on loan at Celtic, as a makeweight in the deal for Riyad Mahrez but City baulked at the price tag of the Algerian.

The Foxes boss still wants the ex-Fulham star in the summer as he looks certain to lose Mahrez eventually.

But West Ham will compete for Roberts too and are ready to firm up their long-term interest after missing out on him when he went to City.

Roberts was also on David Moyes’ radar this January but Leicester moved first to try to get him as part of the Mahrez package.

The youngster moved from Craven Cottage two-and-a-half years ago and made three appearances before he was loaned to Celtic Park.

He is now in his third campaign with the Scottish giants and has attracted interest from French side Nice before Premier League clubs started tracking him.

Roberts arrived before the Pep Guardiola era at the Etihad and the Spaniard is expected to allow the winger to leave for the right price at the end of the season.

Blessed with a gifted technique and dribbling ability, Roberts is capable of playing on either flank or as a number ten and has what it takes to impress in the Premier League.