Celtic defender Josip Juranovic is reportedly being eyed by Atletico Madrid as Diego Simeone seeks out an upgrade at right-back. And after a formidable season for club in country, it's not exactly a mystery why one of La Liga's top dogs seem to be keen on the Croatian.
Juranovic arrived from Legia Warsaw a year ago and was a key man for Ange Postecoglou last season, filling in on both sides of the back four. He was a perfect fit for the Australian's relentless style of play and admitted that playing under him has taken his international career to another level.
That was clear in the most recent international break when Juranovic was one of just two players to play every minute under Zlatko Dalic - the other being star Inter midfielder Marcelo Brozovic. Similar to his dual role for Celtic, he played at both right and left-back, with his versatility seen as a major asset on the international scene.
One of the victims of Juranovic's recent emergence has been Atletico defender Sime Vrsaljko. Previously a regular for his country with more than 50 caps, the 30-year-old played just 45 minutes to Juranovic's 360.
Vrsaljko is the only senior natural right-back on Atletico's books at present but is viewed as increasingly unreliable due to form and injuries. He lost his spot in the team to Marcos Llorente towards the end of last season, with the midfielder playing out of position at right wing-back.
So it's easy to see why, according to Sky Sports , Atletico are looking to the very man currently keeping Vrsaljko out of the Croatia team. Celtic though will be in no rush to sell the 26-year-old just one year after signing him.
He's under contract until 2026 so it would likely take a major offer from the La Liga big-hitters to lure him away. Juranovic played 35 times for the Hoops last season and popped up with an impressive five goals from full-back positions.
