The race to sign Celtic right-back Josip Juranovic is still very much “open”, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Chelsea, Manchester United and even Barcelona have been mentioned as potential suitors but Romano believes a bid for the Croatian international may only be tabled in the second half of the January transfer window:

“We have you keep an eye on Josip Juranovic. He had a fantastic game against Brazil at the World Cup. He’s a very good right back doing very well for Celtic. They have already signed his replacement and this is why there is a chance he will leave in this January transfer window. So let’s see.”

“If some English club looking for a new right-back will explore this possibility. Some Italian club also approached the agent of Juranovic. But at the moment, it’s still an open one. This is one to watch for the second part of January and Juranovic could be the name.”

Celtic are said to be hoping to sell Juranovic for around £17m this month after the defender opted against signing a new contract with the Scottish champions.

His poor performance after coming on against Rangers at the weekend won’t have helped matters but, as Romano points out, his displays for Croatia at the World Cup will be what sticks in the minds of interested clubs.

The Hoops are under no pressure to sell Juranovic on the cheap, having already found his replacement in Alistair Johnston, so we shall see if any team makes a good enough offer for the player.