In-demand Josip Juranovic is reportedly being eyed by Atletico Madrid and clubs in the English Premier League after an impressive debut campaign at Parkhead. But if the Croat does leave Scotland the club could have a replacement lined up already.
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 played a key role in the Premiership and Premier Sports Cup triumphs, and his impressive form has earned admirers this summer.
If a bumper bid does tempt Celtic to sell Juranovic, Postecoglou could turn to Manchester City kid Yan Couto with the Brazilian reportedly pushing for a permanent exit from the English Premier League champions. The 20-year-old has the option to move to Glasgow's east end last summer, but opted for a move to Portuguese side SC Braga.
After being a regular in the Primeira Liga and Europa League last term, Brazilian outlet Torcedores state that highly-rated Couto has already told City's transfer chief Txiki Begiristain that he wants a move. Couto is reportedly 'dissatisfied' at being loaned to Girona and Braga in back-to-back seasons.
That could open the door for Celtic to make their move this summer, after a visit to Celtic Park during the Europa League clash with Jablonec impressed the prospect while he was weighing up his options last year. Former Manchester City loan chief Gary Caldwell revealed the player was on the brink of joining the club following the trip to Glasgow.
He said: "He was going to there on loan. We actually spoke about it when I was at his house.
“He said the stadium the supporters were incredible. He felt like the language barrier would have been a big thing and he settled quickly in Portugal.
“So he’s probably made the right decision for his career development but he did mention when he was out of the stadium, the supporters, he said it was incredible. And he was drawn by that but he decided to go to Braga.”
If Juranovic does leave Celtic this summer, it would leave Scotland cap Anthony Ralston as the only recognised right-back going into the new campaign. There is little doubt the Australian will look to add depth to the position should a big-money deal be rubber stamped.
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