MODEST Monza are trying to land the biggest transfer coup in their history by beating off competition from Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea to sign Celtic star Josip Juranovic...thanks to Silvio Berlusconi.
The Croatian right back became a World Cup star after a string of outstanding performances in Qatar as he helped his country reach the semi-finals and eventually finish in third place.
That's led to a host of elite clubs registering their interest in Celtic's prized asset who is set to play in tomorrow's Old Firm showdown.
But the latest serious interest comes from a less established club in Italy, who are now backed by controversial former Italian president Berlusconi - whose fortune was valued at £6 billion this year.
The former AC Milan president took over Monza four years ago along with Milan's former chief executive Adriano Galliani and guided them back into Serie A in the summer thanks to his financial backing.
They are currently 11 points behind the European spots and Berlusconi has vowed to back Monza manager Raffaele Palladino with a huge January warchest for transfers and wages.
They remain convinced they could have the financial muscle to tempt Juranovic into what would seem to be an unlikely switch and are set to make their move this week once the transfer window reopens.
Berlusconi sees his club as potential big players on the European stage soon and wants to make a marquee signing to underline their ambition.
And they are set to see if they can tempt Juranovic to the newly-promoted Stadio Brianteo club.
