Silvio Berlusconi is attempting to bankroll Monza’s biggest transfer coup in their history by going for Josip Juranovic.
Monza are a modest Serie A side but are targeting the Celtic defender amid major competition from Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea. Croatia right back Juranovic 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.
That has sparked a string of huge European clubs registering their interest in Celtic's prized asset. But although it appeared one of these elite sides would surely land him, they might not get their way. Because although the latest serious interest comes from a less established club in Italy, Monza are now backed by controversial former Italian president Berlusconi – whose fortune was valued at £6billion this year.
The former AC Milan president took over Monza four years ago along with Milan's former chief executive Adriano Galliani and guided them back into Serie A in the summer thanks to his financial backing. They are currently 11 points behind the European spots and Berlusconi has vowed to back Monza manager Raffaele Palladino with a huge January warchest for transfers and wages.
They remain convinced they could have the financial muscle to tempt Juranovic into what would seem to be an unlikely switch and are set to make their move this week once the transfer window reopens. Berlusconi sees his club as potential big players on the European stage soon and wants to make a marquee signing to underline their ambition. And they are set to see if they can tempt Juranovic to the newly-promoted Stadio Brianteo club.
READ NEXT:
