Josip Juranovic has reportedly told his agent that his preference – if he is to move from Scottish Premiership Champions, Celtic – is Serie A. The Croatian defender has been outperforming some of the biggest names in world football at this year’s winter World Cup in Qatar and has apparently told his agent Italy would be his preferred destination.
According to a report in Daily Record, Juranovic has instructed his agent to sound out interest in his services from the Italian League and see who bites first. Serie A side Torino are reputedly interested in the Croat and have approached Celtic officials about a potential transfer deal.
However, it is also understood that the Turin club would have to fork out DOUBLE their top transfer fee of £8.5 million, should they still wish to proceed with negotiations. It seems an unlikely destination, all things considered, especially with Torino having to cough up that amount of money. But, you just never know in football.
Juranovic still has international business to take care of first, before he can begin to think about what his immediate future holds – or where it lies rather. Croatia will take on African nation Morocco for the bronze medal in the third place play-off come Saturday. Both teams did extremely well by all accounts at the tournament this year and can be very proud of their efforts.
If, like the report suggests, that Josip would like to try his luck in Serie A, whoever is interested better put up or shut up; because he won’t be leaving Parkhead unless it’s another massive sum of dosh exchanging hands. Peter Lawwell will surely see to that, no that he has resumed his role.
Paul Gillespie
Meanwhile with the postal service back tomorrow tonight would be a good time to order a copy of The Celtic Rising ~ 1965: The Year Jock Stein Changed Everything. Then we’ll post a copy signed by the author David Potter to you in the morning using first class post.