Celtic hope to tie up a deal for Legia Warsaw’s £2.5 million-rated right-back Josip Juranovic before Wednesday’s Europa League qualifier against AZ Alkmaar at Parkhead, as reported by the Glasgow Evening Times.
Wishful thinking, perhaps?
Legia are playing hard-ball regarding the future of the Croatia international and, as recently as Friday, it was claimed they and Celtic were miles apart in their valuation of Juranovic, with a deal at serious risk of collapse.
It seems highly unlikely, then, that all those obstacles will be overcome in time for Juranovic to be paraded on the Celtic Park pitch before the clash with AZ Alkmaar.
According to the Glasgow Evening Times, however, Celtic could submit a £2.5 million bid for the Zagreb-born wideman during the next 48 hours.
Progress, no matter how small, is still progress.
Celtic have refused to give up Josip Juranovic chase as Alkmaar clash nears
News of developments surrounding Juranovic come amid reports suggesting Ange Postecoglou’s side have missed out on yet another of their right-back targets.
Manchester City youngster Yan Couto was spotted taking in the sights and sounds of Celtic Park during last week’s 3-0 trouncing of Jablonec. However, it’s understood the 19-year-old Brazilian has his heart set on a move to Braga or La Liga 2 outfit – and City sister club – Girona.
Celtic have already hit a brick wall in their pursuits of George Baldock, Valentin Rosier, Milan van Ewijk and Aurelio Buta.
Juranovic, however, could be worth the wait.
Hoops supporters certainly like what they see from a man who has produced ten assists since the start of last season, his pinpoint delivery from the right reminiscent of Mikael Lustig at his Premiership-dominating peak.
Juranovic also possesses the kind of technical ability that suits Postecoglou’s swashbuckling style down to the ground, although Anthony Ralston could consider himself unfortunate if he loses his place in Ange’s starting XI.
Written off by all and sundry before the season began, Ralston has been a revelation at right-back during the past few weeks.
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