Legia Warsaw president Dariusz Mioduski said Josip Juranovic’s long-awaited move to Celtic is far from a ‘done deal’, while speaking to Polish publication Sport.
The I’s may not be dotted, the T’s not yet crossed, but it seems only a matter of time before the Hoops are finally bring an end to their summer-long search for a new right-back.
After potential moves for George Baldock, Valentin Rosier, Aurelio Buta and Milan van Ewijk came and went, Celtic have turned their attention to Juranovic, a Croatia international who shone during a 3-1 victory over Scotland at Hampden Park during the Euro 2020 group stages.
According to the Scottish Sun, Celtic have agreed a £2.5 million fee with Legia Warsaw.
And Juranovic, a superb crosser of the ball and a dogged one-on-one defender, is expected to sign a four-year deal at Parkhead.
As it stands, however, Juranovic is still a Legia player heading into Thursday night’s crucial Europa League qualifier with Slavia Prague.
“Nothing is signed or settled,” Mioduski said when quizzed about the seemingly imminent departure of his star man.
“It is known that clubs are interested in Jura.”
Legia coach Czeslaw Michniewicz appeared to let the cat out of the proverbial bag when discussing the 25-year-old’s future in midweek, however, admitting that Celtic had ‘agreed’ terms with the technically-gifted Juranovic.
Although if Anthony Ralston’s recent performances are anything to go by, the Zagreb-born assist-machine will not simply stroll into Ange Postecoglou’s starting XI.
Ralston was outstanding once again as Celtic took a giant step towards the Europa League proper on Wednesday night, defeating AZ Alkmaar 2-0 in front of a rousing Parkhead crowd. Celtic’s most-improved player does not deserve to be tossed aside for a shiny new toy.
In other news, Celtic are in talks to sign Giorgios Giakoumakis, the 2020 Eredivisie Golden Boot winner, with his agent confirming an approach from the Glasgow giants.
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