JOSIP JURANOVIC is being valued at a mere £5million by Spanish media outlet Fichajes.
The nonsensical estimate of Celtic’s Croatian international right-back has reportedly alerted clubs such as West Ham who are hoping to bag a World Cup bargain.
Juranovic, who cost £2.5million from Legia Warsaw in August last year, saw his value sky-rocket with his accomplished performances during the soccer showpiece in Qatar.
BY THE RIGHT…Josip Juranovic whips in a cross from the flank.
The 27-year-old defender totally dominated Brazilian superstar Vinicius Junior in the quarter-final to the extent the Real Madrid winger was hauled off in 64 minutes as the tournament favourites toppled out of the competition on penalty-kicks.
It has transpired Juranovic was carrying a calf injury for 70 minutes in his nation’s 3-0 loss to Argentina in the semi-final and he will miss this afternoon’s third-place play-off against Morocco.
Chris Sutton reckons the dependable back-four performer has got to be worth at least TWENTY-FIVE MILLION QUID.
The former Hoops goal hero, writing in the Daily Record, stated: “Seeing the Croat go wouldn’t be ideal from a team point of view.
“You can tell by the selections in the Champions League that he is the first-choice right-back and, regardless of your succession planning, no manager at any club finds it simple to replace a first choice.
ON THE BALL…Josip Juranovic in his customary composed style as he drives Celtic forward.
“But it would be excellent for the club’s balance sheet and the evolution of the squad if they get the right price. I’ve already stated that, if Celtic are going to sell, they should be driving a very hard bargain and fighting for top dollar.
“I’d be starting with an asking figure for £25million.
“Given the stupid money being paid out from some leagues and the desperation of January buying, I certainly believe they’d be selling themselves short with anything that dips well below the £20million mark.”
Ange Postecoglou moved swiftly to pay £3.5million for Canada No.2 Alistair Johnston from MLS outfit CF Montreal as a potential replacement for Juranovic.
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Aberdeen v Celtic this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.
