Monza have reportedly stepped their interest in Celtic star Josip Juranovic and have tabled an initial offer for the full-back
The minnows may be looking over their shoulder at the relegation scrap in Serie A but that has not stopped them targeting the Celtic defender amid major competition from Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea off the back of an impressive World Cup campaign. The Croat became a World Cup star after a string of top performances in Qatar including a man of the match display against Brazil that helped his nation reach the semi-finals and eventually finish in third place.
Having returned to Scottish Premiership action against Rangers speculation over a move has only intensified and the Italian side, who only earned promotion to the top flight this term, have reportedly made their move for the 27-year-old. The Parkhead board may have expected a bumper offer from Monza to land one of their prize assets, with the Serie A side backed by controversial former Italian president Silvio Berlusconi.
Berlusconi's fortune may have been valued at £6billion last year but a modest initial offer appears to have been put on the table. Italian transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio reports that initial talks between Celtic and Monza were held in Milan on Friday.
It is claimed that the Italians were hoping to "start defining a strategy" over a deal, but initially put a "loan with obligation to purchase" on the table. The report adds that Monza are "serious" about getting the transfer over the line this month.
Celtic are likely to demand a big payday for Juranovic with his valuation skyrocketing following Qatar 2022. Alistair Johnston has already been snapped up as a replacement at right-back.
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