Neil Lennon doesn't like to see top players leave Celtic but admits there is an inevitability that it will happen.
It has been a process that the Hoops have faced over the years with top talents like Virgil van Dijk, Fraser Forster, Victor Wanyama, Kieran Tierney and Stuart Armstrong to name a few. This current crop is no different with big clubs like Chelsea and Barcelona believed to be circling around Croatia World Cup star Josip Juranovic.
His performances in Qatar escalated him to another level and with Ange Postecoglou already moving quickly for Alistair Johnston, it paves the way for a potential transfer to happen. Lennon is no stranger to the wonderful world of transfer business having dealt with it in two spells at Celtic.
The club have always looked to find hidden gems and make big profit. It's happened before and it will happen again with Juranvoic hailed as a 'top player' by the former boss as he discussed the speculation surrounding his future and the area of the park he would look to add further cover in with three new signings already in the door during the January window.
Speaking exclusively to Glasgow Live Sport on behalf of Football Odds, he said: "There is a lot of speculation surrounding him and that for me is understandable because he is a top player. The fact that Celtic have brought Alistair in sort of paves the way now for Juranovic to leave.
"But I don't like to see the top players leave Celtic, but there is an inevitability about it sometimes and I am sure he is very sought after because I thought he had a great World Cup."
On where he would add in the current side, he added: "Just maybe some centre-half cover. A back-up for Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt. I know Moritz Jenz and Welshy [Stephen Welsh] are in the building. But I don't know if there is an injury there or something like that but I think Ange, like we all do, likes to strengthen from an area of strength. If there was one area maybe that he could sort of bolster it would be centre-back for me."
Another player who has been linked with a Celtic exit is striker Giorgos Giakoumakis. Lennon is a huge fan of the hitman - who has scored 25 goals in 55 appearances for the Scottish champions - and he believes he has a huge part to play this campaign with the Hoops challenging for the Premiership title and domestic cup success with a Hampden semi-final on the horizon.
He continued: "He's an excellent player. With myself being out in Cyprus and Giakoumakis being Greek there is a lot of interest in him out in Cyprus. He's well thought of by the Greeks. He's improved a hell of a lot since he stepped in at Celtic.
"His scoring record before he arrived in Scotland was excellent. Playing in probably an average Dutch side his record was great and again at Celtic it is excellent.
"So again, I know he has only been there around 18 months but I would hopefully like to see him stay for a little bit longer. I know he might be little bit frustrated by a lack of game-time but I think he still has a huge part to play in Celtic's season."
Celtic maintained their nine point advantage at the league summit following a thrilling Old Firm derby at Ibrox.
It was a game Lennon believes was 'must-win' for Michael Beale and Rangers and after grinding out a result thanks to Kyogo Furuhashi's late leveller, the 51-year-old believes it will prove to be massive in the context of the season. He was also quick to praise Johnston after being thrown in for a real baptism of fire on his debut.
Asked how the result leaves the title chase, he said: "There is still a bit of work to go but it puts Celtic in a great position. It was a must-win for Rangers really to get the gap to six points.
"The fact that Celtic sort of by their own admission didn't play that well, but they dug out a result which is really important. In the context of the season it is a huge result for them going forward.
"I think Alistair [Johnston] may have been around the squad for a few weeks but to go into that cauldron is a big step. I know he played in the World Cup and in big games there but nothing can prepare you for Celtic and Rangers games. Particularly away from home. I think he handled it very well and he will get better for the experience."
One man who has been on top form at the World Cup and since his arrival back has been Daizen Maeda.
Postecoglou is a huge admirer of the work he puts in both in attack and defence and the speedy attacker really gave James Tavernier a tough shift during the derby. He showed what Lennon describes as 'pace and power' before slotting beyond Allan McGregor after just five minutes to follow up his stunning midweek goal at Hibs.
Questions have been asked over whether the Light Blues skipper could have put in the challenge as he looked in position to do so. Lennon is one of those who believes that to be the case, but he won't take anything away from Maeda's work rate and finish.
He said: "He took his goal brilliantly. Pace and power and a really good finish. It is probably a criticism of him really. He keeps putting himself in the right positions. His speed and work-rate are fantastic. I was delighted to see him score yesterday.
"I thought [James] Tavernier could have got there. I don't know if he was trying to roll it back to [Connor] Goldson instead of getting the tackle in.
"Maeda was strong and just left Goldson for dead. He then had the momentum and run. It was a great start for Celtic but in the context of the game it was nervy and that is understandable. Now that one is out the way and no damage is done, Celtic will kick-on."
*This is part one of four in our three day exclusive special with Neil Lennon. Come back tomorrow for part two and three*
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