Chelsea still considering bid for Celtic defender Josip Juranovic?

Chelsea reportedly still hold an interest in signing Celtic defender Josip Juranovic.

With Reece James and Cesar Azpilicueta both as options at right-back and right wing-back, Chelsea have long been well stocked in that area of the pitch.

However, injury issues for James and Azpilicueta now 33 years of age have left the Blues short in that position at times during 2022-23.

While Ruben Loftus-Cheek has proven to be an able deputy when required, it has been suggested for a number of months that Chelsea are ready to bring in a fresh face.

Earlier this year, reporter Simon Phillips indicated that the West Londoners were contemplating whether to make an approach for Juranovic.

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Since then, the stock of the player has only risen, initially through representing his club and more recently through his appearances for Croatia.

Phillips has now acknowledged that Chelsea have not yet moved on from their interest in the 27-year-old ahead of the upcoming January window.

That comes at a time when Juranovic has started each of his nation's five matches at the World Cup, helping Croatia reach the semi-finals.

As well as providing an assist in the 4-1 win over Canada, Juranovic has played his part in clean sheets being kept against Morocco and Belgium and playing the full 120 minutes before Croatia defeated Brazil on penalties on Friday.

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Despite Chelsea's alleged interest in Juranovic, there is no certainty that they will be able to tempt Celtic into a sale for one of their most prized assets.

Juranovic still has just under three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract, and Celtic may prefer that he contributes to another Scottish Premiership title success.

Celtic currently sit nine points clear of Rangers at the top of the standings, Juranovic making eight starts in the top flight and a further six in the Champions League.

Should a sale be agreed with an interested club in the future, Celtic will expect to at least quadruple the alleged £2.5m that they shelled out on the player last year.