Chelsea have been on a search for a backup to Reece James for some time now, with the wing-back being so critical to the team that his absence is huge. At wing-back, the England international offers plenty both defensively and offensively, but his backup Cesar Azpilicueta is unable to replicate that.
The summer saw the side try and rectify this, but they were unable to land someone to fill in there, with more immediate priorities held elsewhere. However, it came back to bite the Blues as James suffered yet another huge injury blow, which eventually ruled him out of the World Cup.
The Cobham academy graduate is set for a return in the coming weeks as Premier League football is back from the international break and with the January window just around the corner, the need to have an option beyond James is clear. A number of players have been linked, but the latest has been Celtic's Josip Juranovic.
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The full-back was impressive during the World Cup with Croatia, even "pocketing" Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr in his nation's huge penalty shootout win over Brazil. The defender featured heavily in Croatia's run to a third-place finish in the competition, with Fabrizio Romano claiming that "many clubs" are eyeing a move.
Celtic manager Ange Postecoglu has tried to play down such rumours though, telling reporters: "We haven’t had an offer for any player. If there’s an issue or if players have things put in front of them about their future, I’m sure they will come and see me, and (chief executive) Michael (Nicholson) will speak to their representatives. But right now there is nothing. Zero. Zip. Nada. Nothing going on.”
It remains to be seen if the Blues will make a move in January, but it is clear that a back-up option for James is one of the priorities if they are to compete on all fronts.
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