Man Utd force rival suitors to retreat in race for defensive upgrade, with target now waiting for official move
Manchester United seem to be showing the most interest in a right-back who could replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka and is now putting two other potential moves on stand-by in the hope that the Red Devils will make a concrete move, according to a report.
Wan-Bissaka is facing an uncertain future at Old Trafford after Erik ten Hag’s selection choices in the first part of the season made it quite clear that he is behind Diogo Dalot in the pecking order. As someone who cost the club around £50million, the situation is far from ideal for the former Crystal Palace man.
Hence, clubs are queueing up for Wan-Bissaka in the hope that they could revive his career. A recent report suggested that Man Utd might be willing to sanction a loan move for the 25-year-old to Wolves.
If Wan-Bissaka does depart, Man Utd will need to replenish their depth with a replacement to compete with Dalot. A few suggestions have been made, but the latest to come under consideration is Celtic’s Josip Juranovic.
The Croatia international represented his country at the World Cup, helping them to finish third. Now, it could be a good time for him to change clubs while his stock is high. And at the age of 27, he could be at his peak.
Man Utd have been linked with him recently, although he does have some other suitors too. But the latest report is suggesting that a move to Old Trafford could be the most likely option for him.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, Juranovic is also in the sights of Serie A duo Torino and Monza. Despite this, United have made the “most interesting advances” for his signature so far.
And with that in mind, the full-back has put the idea of going to Italy instead on “stand-by”.
Juranovic is seemingly holding out for Man Utd to make a concrete move. Indeed, the club are said to have told the player to wait a few days while they sort out the Wan-Bissaka situation.
Man Utd to offer Juranovic next step
Once a vacancy opens up, Juranovic could be the subject of an approach from Ten Hag’s team.
Celtic’s asking price for Juranovic – who only cost £2.5million to sign from Legia Warsaw in the first place – is not yet clear. They have him under contract until 2026 and have given him 51 appearances since his arrival in Scotland in August 2021.
But they may have to fend off approaches for him this month, potentially from Man Utd.
The change of scenery would interrupt a season in which Juranovic has made 16 appearances for Celtic. With experience in the Champions League under his belt, he would be hoping to make himself useful at Old Trafford if the move went through.
Dalot might remain the first choice for the time being, but joining Man Utd would still be appealing for Juranovic. Indeed, it could be the next step of his steady rise in the sport.
For now, it is up to Man Utd to put together a bid that will convince Celtic to sell him.
