Release clause fear in Celtic’s Juranovic deal as Chelsea hover

Chelsea are reported to be stepping up their interest in Josip Juranovic following another injury to Reece James.

The full-back missed the World Cup through injury, on his comeback against Bournemouth yesterday he was taken  off with a similar knock which suggests that another lengthy absence could be in store.

At 27 Juranovic might not have much resale value but right now Graham Potter’s need is for a ready made right back to step straight into his side.

The interesting aspect of the Daily Mail story is that they are quoting a transfer fee of £8m for a World Cup semi-finalist with experience in this season’s Champions League.

Previously a fee of £6m has been mentioned in relation to Barcelona and West Ham, it could be that a release clause was included in the £2.5m deal that took Juranovic from Legia Warsaw to Celtic last August.

The English edition of the Daily Mail reports:

Chelsea are ready to revive their interest in Celtic right-back Josip Juranovic as they await news on the extent of Reece James’ latest injury setback.

Blues star James was forced off on his long-awaited return to action, in a 2-0 win against Bournemouth on Tuesday, from the knee injury that kept him sidelined for three months and ruled him out of the World Cup.

The news is set to see Chelsea accelerate their long-term interest in Croatia international Juranovic. The 27-year-old, who was named in the World Cup team of the year, could cost as little as £8million.

Juranovic is back at Celtic following the World Cup but is unlikely to be involved in tonight’s match away to Hibs in the SPFL.