Spanish side Atletico Madrid are set to send scouts to watch Celtic star Josip Juranovic in action at the World Cup later this week.
The defender has played all four games for his nation out in Qatar after nailing down the right-back spot and a regular role in the side.
After reaching the final of the tournament in 2018, Croatia will be looking to match that achievement. But face an extremely difficult task in the quarter-finals.
Juranovic and his teammates will go up against one of the early tournament favourites, Brazil, as they play it out for a place in the last four.
The 27-year-old is the last remaining member of Ange Postecoglou’s squad who is still at the World Cup after Cameron Carter-Vickers, Aaron Mooy and Daizen Maeda were eliminated in the knockout stages.
Of course, having featured in all of Croatia’s games at this international tournament, plenty of eyes are likely to be watching Juranovic closely.
The right-back still has a long-term contract at Celtic until 2026. But, with the arrival of Alistair Johnston in the January window and the club bracing for transfer interest, there could be a chance Juranovic moves on next month.
And according to a report from Spanish outlet Elgol Digital, La Liga side Atletico Madrid will send scouts to watch the defender in action against Brazil on Friday.
The Celtic man will be going up against a world-class side and winger in Vinicius Junior. So, Diego Simeone’s side see this as a good opportunity to watch the right-back closer.
Atletico Madrid’s Juranovic interest looks to arise after initial summer links.
After a somewhat successful spell at the World Cup with Croatia so far, it is no surprise to hear clubs are interested in sending scouts to watch Juranovic closer.
Particularly from Atletico Madrid, who have a history of interest in the Celtic right-back previously.
During the summer, Juranovic was linked with a move away from Parkhead, and the La Liga side were quickly one of the first clubs reportedly interested in a move.
That interest could arise once again in the January window, should they be left impressed by the Croatian international on Friday against Brazil.
Although the Hoops could see a European giant become interested in making a move for a member of Ange Postecoglou’s squad, the club still holds all the cards.
As mentioned, Juranovic is still contracted to the club for another four years, and the Celtic manager has already signed a potential replacement in the event that Juranovic does head for the exit door.
So, it is up to any interested party to pay up the required fee, with Juranovic still tied down to a long-term deal at Parkhead.
It should be interesting to see if any further interest arrives after this report. It certainly wouldn’t surprise the Celtic support after a decent World Cup showing out in Qatar for the defender.
In other news, The updated Celtic squad depth picture as Alistair Johnston prepares to jet in.
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