Goalkeeper Joe Hart has lauded Celtic teammate and reported Newcastle United target Josip Juranovic after his impressive campaign at the World Cup.
Speaking with Sky Sports prior to Croatia’s World Cup semi-final clash with Argentina on Tuesday, the former Manchester City shot-stopper was full of praise for the right-back, who played every single minute for his national team out in Qatar.
“He’s a great teammate. A superb player,” Hart claimed.
“(Juranovic) loves his country. I’m really pleased for him. He’s certainly earned the right to dream but they’ve got a tough task tonight and we’ll see what happens.
“It would be quite something (to see a team-mate win the World Cup). He’s way beyond the dream phase. He’s living it, he’s in a real moment.”
According to The Sunday Post (11 December, back page), the Magpies, alongside Chelsea, Manchester United and West Ham United, are all on Juranovic’s growing list of admirers.
Hart praises Newcastle linked Juranovic
Although he has been in and out of Ange Postecoglou’s XI in the Scottish Premiership this season, the full-back played every single minute for the Hoops in the Champions League.
However, where Juranovic has really excelled this year, is at the World Cup. Starting at right-back for Croatia, the 27-year-old played every single minute of the tournament out in Qatar. This includes the full 120 minutes in the round of 16 against Japan and in the quarter-finals against Brazil.
Constantly bombing down the wing against the Selecao, BBC pundit Jermaine Jenas hailed the Celtic man’s display as ‘outstanding’.
Newcastle are currently looking to add a back-up right-back to the squad; someone to provide rotation for Kieran Trippier when needed.
Therefore, having proven he can perform on the biggest stage of world football, Juranovic, who is expected to cost £15m, could be a strong addition to Eddie Howe’s ranks.
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