RODGERS SILENT ON ARZANI

BRENDAN RODGERS has refused to be drawn on speculation that Celtic are on the brink of a loan deal for Australian World Cup winger Daniel Arzani, as CQN reported yesterday.

The 19-year-old touchline flyer is close to sealing a move to Manchester City from Melbourne City – and the Etihad giants are prepared to allow their latest recruit to go on a temporary transfer.

Parkhead has been mentioned as the most likely destination for Tom Rogic’s international team-mate who made three substitute appearances for the Aussies in Russia.

Dutch cracks PSV Eindhoven have also been mentioned, but the lure of the Hoops could sway Arzana.

City gaffer Pep Guardiola could be prepared to allow the teenager to go on a TWO-YEAR deal which would be similar to the two-and-a-half seasons the popular Patrick Roberts enjoyed at the champions before returning to his parent club in the summer.

Jason Denayer and John Guidetti have also had similar shifts from Manchester to Glasgow in recent seasons.

After last night’s 3-1 Champions League qualifying win over Rosenborg, Rodgers wasn’t prepared to add to reports the deal was just about over the line.

He said: “I can’t tell you anything about him or anyone else.

“All I know is that he is a young Australian, a very talented player and went to the World Cup where he looked very, very good.

“The club are working hard behind the scenes to try and get some signings in.

“I think he’s been one who has been identified.”