Man City considering axing Patrick Roberts loan transfer at Norwich and sending him to Middlesbrough for game time

MIDDLESBROUGH are reportedly ready to pounce if Manchester City cancel Patrick Roberts’ loan spell at Norwich.

The 22-year-old England youth international moved to Carrow Road in the summer in order to gain more Premier League experience.

But the forward has barely featured for the Canaries in the top-flight with just three sub appearances.

Man City are desperate to ensure Roberts has much more game time and have spoken to several Championship clubs over a potential loan.

Now they are set to end his misery in East Anglia and the claim Boro are ready to kick off their new year with a swoop.

They have registered a “firm interest” in the livewire, who moved to City from Fulham in 2015 in a deal that could reach £12.5m.

Roberts has only made one appearance for City but showcased his talents both domestically and in Europe while on loan at Celtic.

He impressed winning three Scottish titles during two loan spells north of the border.

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The Kingston-born winger spent last season at Girona and made 21 appearances for the Spanish side.

Boro boss Jonathan Woodgate appears to have turned the corner at The Riverside after a sticky start to management.

He has led his hometown club away from the drop zone after three successive victories prior to today’s trip to Preston.

But his young and injury-ravaged squad could do with some reinforcements to continue their upward trajectory.