Celtic are braced for a January bidding war for Josip Juranovic after Serie A Torino made the first move for the Croatia World Cup star.
The Italians are understood to have made contact with Hoops chiefs regarding the 26-year-old. And Record Sport understands that Celts have warned the Italian big guns they’ll need to shatter their transfer record to have any chance of landing the attacking full back. Juranovic is hot property after impressing in Qatar as the Croats went all the way to the last four before their World Cup dream was ended by Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
The defender will be involved in Saturday’s third-place play-off and will have a short break before returning to Scotland. Juranovic is expected to move in January though with Celtic and the player set to cash in on the back of his displays in the Middle East. Torino are hoping Croatian legend boss Ivan Juric can sway the Celt in their direction – but Celts won't budge unless there is a bumper bid for one of their top assets.
The Serie A side’s record fee was the £8.5m spent on former Ajax centre back Perr Shuurs in the summer. But Celtic would be looking for at least DOUBLE that amount for their World Cup ace.
Juranovic is under contract until 2026 and while the Hoops won’t stand in his way, they are unwilling to allow the versatile former Legia Warsaw man to depart on the cheap. Several Italian clubs have been alerted to his availability but there is strong interest from England, with West Ham in the frame, along with big guns Chelsea, who are in the market for another full back to compete with Reece James.
Celtic will drive a hard bargain for a player who has received plaudits from pundits in Qatar. France legend William Gallus hailed the full back as one of the players of the tournament, while former England hero Gary Neville highlighted Juranovic’s role in driving his nation to the last four.
Neville said: “Juranovic is fantastic going forward. He epitomises the modern full-back. He’s bright. He’s lively.
“He’s not just serving the attack, he’s contributing to it. He’s been a real presence in this tournament down that right-hand side for Croatia.”
Celtic have already snapped up an insurance policy in the position with £3m Canada ace Alistair Johnston checking in this week. Anthony Ralston’s form in the last 18 months also meaning the Hoops are well covered on the right side of defence.
Juranovic is expected to depart, with striker Giorgios Giakoumakis also tipped for an exit. Record Sport revealed the frontman is considering his future amid frustration over contract discussions.
Giakoumakis has attracted attention in Holland – where he previously starred for VVV Venglo – as well as in Germany and England. The 28-year-old is understood to also have options in Middle East, with clubs poised to offer big money deals in January if a suitable offer lands.
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