Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts has emerged as a transfer target for Ligue 1 outfit Nice, according to reports.
The 20-year-old spent the last 18 months on loan at Celtic, scoring 17 times in 60 appearances for the Scottish Premiership champions.
The Hoops have made no secret of their desire to re-sign Roberts, but according to French outlet Nice-Matin, the Riviera club are hoping to strike a loan deal for the talented Englishman.
Nice are due to play Napoli in their Champions League playoff round tie next week and must submit their squad by Monday night, the report suggesting that club officials are desperately trying to recruit Roberts before then.
The Eaglets finished third in Ligue 1 last season and boast Italy international Mario Balotelli, while Netherlands star Wesley Sneijder is also close to moving to the Allianz Riviera.