Barcelona are now interested in signing Celtic defender and Newcastle United target Josip Juranovic, according to Sky Sports News.
It is reported that Xavi Hernandez’s side have made the 27-year-old their number one option to add at right-back. It is believed they are hoping to do a deal in January.
Alongside the Catalan giants, Sky Sports claim Atletico Madrid and two Premier League clubs are eyeing a move for the Croatia international.
Elsewhere, The Sunday Post (11 December, back page) report the Magpies, alongside Chelsea, Manchester United and West Ham United, are all on Juranovic’s growing list of admirers.
Barcelona want Newcastle linked Juranovic
Up until the third-place play-off match, the Celtic full-back had played every single minute of the World Cup for Croatia. This includes the full 120 minutes in the last-16 against Japan and in the quarter-finals against Brazil.
Constantly bombing down the wing against the Selecao, BBC pundit Jermaine Jenas hailed the right-back’s display as ‘outstanding’.
Hoops teammate Joe Hart was full of praise for Juranovic during the tournament, even lauding him as a ‘superb player’.
Newcastle are currently looking to add a back-up right-back to the squad, in order to provide rotation for Kieran Trippier when needed.
Juranovic would have been the ideal addition to Eddie Howe’s ranks, having proven he can perform at the highest level.
However, with Barcelona now entering the race, this will be a difficult signing to tie down.
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