Josip Juranovic remains an option for Manchester United to sign at right-back, claims Dean Jones.
Erik ten Hag is seeking a right-back replacement for Aaron Wan-Bissaka who looks set to leave the club in January.
Wan-Bissaka has fallen completely out of favour under the Dutchman with him appearing in just four minutes all season for United, with his manager wanting stronger attacking displays from the 25-year-old to feature in that role.
It was reported by The Sun in November that United were willing to let the Englishman head back on loan to former club Crystal Palace if a replacement could be signed.
With January a typically dry market for eye-catching moves, Jones told This Is Futbol that Celtic’s wantaway defender Juranovic could be a name on the Red Devils’ list.
“I think we’ve got to remember that this is part of the squad that they’re looking to replace Wan-Bissaka. It seems like an option that they’re still open to, so I think it would be something that remains in the picture,” Jones said.
TIF Thoughts on Jones’ comments…
It’s a move that makes perfect sense for all parties and could be a straightforward one to make happen.
The 27-year-old has proved from his performances in Qatar where he completed all six of Croatia’s World Cup games during their run to the semi-final, even registering an assist against Canada, that he can perform at the top level.
Juranovic, who has been hailed as ‘sensational’, is currently unsettled in Glasgow after The Mail reported that negotiations over a new contract had broken down with Celtic prepared to receive offers for him in January, paired with the Bhoys signing of Alastair Johnston, who also plays right-back, which means it could be a brisk deal to conclude.
With Diogo Dalot currently the only option that ten Hag trusts to play at right-back, the Croat could prove shrewd business if he can continue his World Cup form and surely at a cut-price fee too.