Torino are set to revive their interest in Josip Juranovic and battle Serie A rivals Monza for the Celtic full back after the Italian side suffered a hammer injury blow.
The Turin outfit were keen on the Croatia full back and made contact with Parkhead chiefs last month but were priced out of a move for the 26-year-old. However, Torino have been left reeling by the news that first choice right back Valentino Lazaro will be out of action for at least two months. Austrian International Lazaro was forced off injured in the 1-1 draw with Salernitana on Sunday and the club has since confirmed that scans have shown has suffered medial ligament damage in his right knee.
After being put off by Celtic’s initial asking price, Torino had identified Sassuolo’s Greek defender Giorgos Kyriakopoulos as an alternative. However, Torino’s Croatian boss Ivan Juric’s preferred target was always his compatriot Juranovic and Record Sport understands he hopes to convince the club to push the boat out due to Lazaro’s injury.
And they could be forced to pay Celtic’s asking price due their desperate situation but face competition from Monza who had moved into pole position. Sources in Italy believe Juranovic’s preferred destination is Torino given a Croatian is in charge and they are sitting mid-table in Serie A while Monza are sitting 15th in the 20-team league.
Torino would prefer an initial loan with an option to buy - the same deal they have in place with crocked Lazaro who they took from Inter Milan and can make his deal permanent for £5 million at the end of the season.
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