CELTIC will scoff at reports Josip Juranovic is poised to leave the champions this summer.
The Croatia international full-back arrived on a £2.5million switch from Legia Warsaw in August last year and is under contract until the summer of 2026.
A “transfer insider” has claimed the 26-year-old defender is preparing to move club after an impressive season at Parkhead where he and Anthony Ralston jousted for the No.2 position as Ange Postecoglou’s new-look side swept to their tenth title in 11 years while adding the Premier Sports League Cup with a 2-1 Final victory over Hibs six days before Christmas.
PARADISE…Josip Juranovic and skipper Callum McGregor celebrate Celtic’s title victory.
Unfortunately, Juranovic, who swftly became a fans’ favourite, saw his campaign come to a premature end when he was forced to limp off in the Scottish Cup semi-final loss to Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s Ibrox outfit at Hampden on April 17 when an an own goal in extra-time from Carl Starfelt ended the Hoops’ bid for a domestic clean sweep.
His worth to the team was highlighted during his absence, as CQN reported.
The transfer “expert”, Fabrizio Romano, insisted a number of clubs are now tracking Juranovic and also claimed he has been eyed by Premier League clubs after his displays for Celtic and Croatia.
He tweeted: “Croatian national team right back Josip Juranovic is expected to leave Celtic FC this summer as many clubs are following him.
“Juranovic is attracting interests from Premier League clubs too after great season for club and country.”
GREEN PARTY…Anthony Ralston celebrates with two-goal Kyogo Furuhashi after the Premier Sports League Cup Final triumph in December. The Scotland international and Josip Juranovic both played in the Hampden success.
Postecoglou is still in the throes of strengthening his squad and has added Cameron Carter-Vickers as a permanent member following the £6million four-year deal move from Spurs.
The Filipe Jota saga is expected to come to a halt soon with the Portuguese winger agreeing a £6.5million switch from Benfica while the Greek-Australian gaffer is still scouring the planet for recruits who will enhance the team at home and in the Champions League.
Allowing one of his top defenders to leave Celtic is not part of his remit.
Unless someone is prepared to part with some serious money for the versatile Croatian, he will be staying put.
