Josip Juranovic is Barcelona's 'number one' January transfer target, according to a report.
Sky Sports News report that the La Liga giants want to bring in the Celtic defender to fill their right-back position. League rivals Atletico Madrid plus two English Premier League clubs are also said to be keen on the Croatia international. He impressed with his displays at the World Cup with pundits raving about his performance against Brazil in the quarter-finals.
Ange Postecoglou was keen to keep Juranovic in Glasgow and held talks with the defender over an improved contract. However, no agreement was reached before he jetted off to Qatar with his profile increasing due to his form. He has three-and-a-half years left on his deal at the Scottish champions after a £2.5million move from Legia Warsaw 18 months ago.
Alistair Johnston - who also impressed at the World Cup with Canada - has already been snapped up by the Premiership leaders on a long-term contract from CF Montreal with the right-back another option alongside Anthony Ralston should the Hoops cash in.
Following Croatia's third-placed play-off win Juranovic and Rangers star Borna Barisic headed back to their homeland for the celebrations at finishing in the bronze position. They were met by thousands of supporters in wild scenes.
Speaking about his plans for Juranovic on his return to Scotland, Postecoglou said: "He’ll have a week off same as everyone else and then we’ll get him back into the building on Monday week.
“He’s been great, like all our boys. He’s done really well against world class opposition and was a key player on his country’s ride to the semi-final of a World Cup.
“That’s something he will have with him forever. He represented his country well, himself, his family and our football club. I’m really pleased for him.”
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