Celtic: Journalist fears transfer rumours have affected Josip Juranovic’s form

Celtic right-back Josip Juranovic has looked like a player who is having his head turned following the recent transfer reports surrounding the Croatian.

This has been suggested by journalist Tony Haggerty, who has been speaking on The Celtic Way YouTube channel as the defender heads for the Bhoys’ winter camp in Australia.

According to reports, the Hoops and Juranovic have been involved in unsuccessful contract extension talks, with the club expecting bids to arrive for the 27-year-old in January.

Juranovic has previously been linked with a potential move to the likes of Atletico Madrid, as well as a number of Premier League clubs, following his arrival at Parkhead last season.

And following those links, Haggerty has suggested that he has looked as if his head is no longer with the Hoops, with Juranovic having admitted he was flattered (RTL via The National) by the transfer links.

Haggerty said: “I think Juranovic’s head has not been in the Celtic ballgame since he heard of Atletico Madrid’s interest.

“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.”

TIF Thoughts on Haggerty’s comments…

Juranovic has seen his game time under Postecoglou reduced in recent weeks, with just 90 minutes to his name in the Scottish Premiership since early October.

And that has potentially been down to the form of Anthony Ralston, who is enjoying an impressive campaign, with almost every minute of league action going to the Scot since the away win against St Johnstone last month (via Transfermarkt).

Amid reports of Juranovic’s potential exit and Ralston showing encouraging form, Postecoglou’s side sit in a strong position ahead of the January window.

And if the bids come in for the Croatian, then Celtic hold the power in negotiations, with over three years still remaining on the 27-year-old’s deal with the Bhoys.