Manchester United have locked horns with Chelsea for the signing of Celtic right-back Josip Juranovic. The Blues have been in the market for defensive reinforcements who can deputise Reece James, though Erik ten Hag looks set to stifle Thomas Tuchel's transfer mission.
football.london understand that Manchester City have shown interest in the England international with his contract at Stamford Bridge set to expire in 2025. But, it's believed that James will be offered a new deal of which he's expected to sign.
While it's unlikely that Juranovic is being targeted as a backup to the 22-year-old, the west Londoners have registered an interest. According to 90min, the Croatia international has attracted the attention of the two Premier League giants - as well as Atletico Madrid - and could be available for as little as £15million.
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Juranovic, who sees his contract at the Celtic Park expire in 2026, featured 26 times for Angelos Postecoglou's side last season, contributing towards four goals from across the backline. The versatile defender's impressive displays helped the Bhoys clinch the Scottish Premier League title back from rivals Rangers.
Chelsea's interest in the Croatian comes amid few sufficient options at right wing-back beside James. Cesar Azpilicueta has recently penned a new two-year deal at Stamford Bridge, though the Spaniard will likely occupy a role on the right on a back-three oppose to at wing-back.
Callum Hudson-Odoi has emerged as a make-shift candidate for the right wing-back role since Tuchel took the helm in west London, though the youngster is a forward by trade. Ruben Loftus-Cheek has enjoyed a short spell deputising James, though it's yet to be seen as to whether he is cut out for the position across the span of a 50 to 60 fixture campaign.
Speaking in November, Tuchel spoke to the press on whether James can be considered one of the best players in Europe. The Blues boss said: "For me, I see no reason why we should now get carried away and think about things like ‘is he the best in the world, the best in England or the best in Europe’. This does not help us.
"I am happy when he tries to be the best Reece James today in training," Tuchel added. "If he plays he needs to be the best version of himself in the best position. He can play in a back three, as a wing-back and for England he played in a midfield position.
"He is improving. He takes responsibility and it is needed. He is far from finished in his development. He is super young, has all the potential to be a big and important player for Chelsea. He is on his way. Not more and obviously not less.
"I feel him dedicated and hungry for more. This is what we want. Right now he plays as a wing-back. He does this on a very high level."
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