Patrick Roberts is set to turn down Fulham’s offer of a new contract and sign for Manchester City, according to media reports this afternoon.
City, who have stolen on a march on the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal with their swift move, have prioritised the signing of Roberts as they need to add to the number of homegrown players in their first-team squad following the summer departures of James Milner, Frank Lampard, Micah Richards and Dedryck Boyata. Fulham had been hopeful of convincing the England youth international to sign a new contract, but the 18 year-old believes he has the ability to break into the City first team and test himself at the top level of English football.
Manchester City are thought to have tabled a bid worth around £10m with add-ons and, with Roberts’ contract due to expire next summer, Fulham are unlikely to want a tribunal to set a value for the transfer of their most cashable Academy asset. The deal would bring an abrupt end to the teenager’s time at Craven Cottage after just 22 senior appearances for the club.
