Football rumours: Roberts delighted to be back at Celtic, Manchester City offer Arsenal Sterling and cash for Sanchez

Patrick Roberts in action for Celtic (SNS Group)

PATRICK ROBERTS says he’s delighted to be back at Celtic, but fellow winger James Forrest has warned him he faces a fight for his place.

Scotland star Forrest welcomes the competition in the squad, but hopes to remain Brendan Rodgers’ first pick after a good start to the season. (Evening Times)

https://www.sundaypost.com/sport/football/patrick-roberts-returns-to-celtic-and-targets-champions-league-success/

https://www.sundaypost.com/sport/gordon-strachan-defends-decision-not-to-select-celtic-midfielder-callum-mcgregor/

Hearts owner Ann Budge says Craig Levein is the ideal appointment as first-team manager.

Levein will make a return to the dugout having served as the club’s director of football since Budge took over.

https://www.sundaypost.com/sport/hearts-director-of-football-craig-levein-to-be-named-as-head-coach-2/

Rangers defender Fabio Cardoso hopes being partnered with Bruno Alves can help him be a stand-out in the SPFL.

The summer signing reckons the veteran and fellow countryman can teach him a lot. (The Sun)

Nottingham Forest are set to make a second bid for Hibs midfielder John McGinn.

Boss Neil Lennon reckoned the first attempt by former Rangers boss Mark Warburton’s side to lure the Scotland star down south was ‘laughable’. (Daily Record)

https://www.sundaypost.com/sport/football/scotland-winger-matt-ritchie-unfazed-by-lithuanias-plastic-pitch/

Elsewhere

Manchester City have made a player-plus-cash bid for Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez, with Raheem Sterling part of the deal.

The Mirror reports that the shock deal is the only way City feel they can tempt the Gunners into selling the Chile international.

Chelsea want to make a triple swoop for England trio Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Danny Drinkwater and Ross Barkley before the transfer window closes, according to the Telegraph.

Is Diego Costa's bid to leave Chelsea nearly over? (PA) — Is Diego Costa’s bid to leave Chelsea nearly over? (PA)

The future of wantaway Chelsea striker Diego Costa might also be close to being resolved, with the Daily Mail reporting that the Premier League champions are close to agreeing a deal with Atletico Madrid that would see the Spain international return to his former club in a deal worth up to £50million.

Staying in London, Crystal Palace could try to tempt Sam Allardyce back as manager if they decide to sever ties with Frank de Boer, the Times reports. Palace are second-bottom of the Premier League after losing their opening three games under De Boer, who took charge in the summer.

Another Premier League manager in the spotlight is Slaven Bilic, whose West Ham side are the only team below Palace in the table. However, the Telegraph reports the Croatian will be given four games after the international break to “save his job”.

Liverpool are looking to follow up an agreement for Naby Keita with a £135million double swoop for Southampton defender Virgil Van Dijk and Monaco midfielder Thomas Lemar, says the Sun.