As Celtic conduct their business Down Under with their participation in The Sydney Super Cup, transfer chat back home has dominated the headlines.
It’s maybe just as well Ange Postecoglou is in Australia as the rumour mill has been going thick and fast surrounding Josip Juranovic.
All the chat over the last few days from pundits in the game has been of whether or not Josip Juranovic will sign a new contract or if Celtic will cash in after the World Cup and bid adieu to the Croatian right back.
Journalist, Tony Haggerty, has had his say on the Croat and he says it was the 27-year-olds initial reaction to the Athletico Madrid rumours that alerted him to where Juranovic’s head was at.
Speaking on The Celtic Way podcast, Haggerty said, “I think Juranovic’s head has not been in a Celtic ball game since he heard of Athletico Madrid’s interest.
“He was giving it, ‘I’m very flattered to be linked with a club like that’ and the usual spiel that you would say.
“I’ve got to be honest, I think from that moment on, he realised that there could be potential big suitors out there for him.
“He’s 27. He’s got one big move left in him to see out his career.
“I think he’s a good player, a steady player, but no more than that. I don’t see where people are seeing the real star quality in Juranovic. That could be controversial.
“I think Ralston has really pushed him this season.
“I stand by what I said. I still think if Celtic are getting anything between £12 and £15 million for Juranovic, I still think it’d be a very good deal.”
I would say the price that Tony is quoting there is rather low but I can see his reasoning why.
Juranovic is a very good defender domestically.
But he has been found wanting at Champions League level.
His performances at the World Cup will determine whether or not Celtic get anything above £15m but, in my opinion, that should be the starting point for any negotiations.
27 years old. 21 caps for his country. Keeping the first choice Bayern Munich right back out the national side.
Anyone disagree?