Chelsea have identified Celtic full-back Josip Juranovic as a transfer target this summer, according to reports.
The Blues are in the market for a defender to compete with Reece James for the right wing-back role this summer.
The likes of Denzel Dumfries and Kyle Walker-Peters were previously linked with moves to Stamford Bridge.
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However, following the news that Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta put pen to paper on a contract extension, rumours surrounding wing-back additions had gone quiet.
Instead, Chelsea have been heavily linked with a move for Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana.
It is believed that a third bid is set to be submitted by Thomas Tuchel’s side, but this will not amount to a world record fee for a defender.
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Chelsea are wary of criticism that Harry Maguire has received at Manchester United after arriving for a record fee from Leiecester in the past and are keen to avoid this pressure with Fofana.
The Blues could still look to make further defensive reinforcements, with a new name appearing to be a target for Tuchel’s side.
According to Graeme Bailey of 90min, Celtic and Croatia full-back Juranovic is interesting the Blues.
Chelsea have reportedly been doing background work on the defender for weeks and are now considering making a move.
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Juranovic has only played one season for the Scottish champions after arriving for just £2.5 million from Legia Warsaw.
He was voted into the Scottish Premiership Team of the Year after an impressive debut campaign for Celtic.
This has seen him linked with a host of European clubs, most notably Atletico Madrid.
When speaking earlier in the summer regarding a potential move to the La Liga side, he told RTL: "I hope there was something in the stories, but honestly I didn’t even ask our manager or anything about it. I didn’t care.
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"I have to keep my feet firmly on the ground. It was Atletico Madrid after all, but I’m at a big club already, Celtic.
"Finally I have the chance to play in the Champions League here. Just to hear the atmosphere, that anthem and to get to play on that stage."
It remains to be seen as to how the defender would react to the news of Chelsea’s interest, with a £15 million bid thought to be enough to convince Celtic to sell.
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However, he is also on Man United’s radar this summer as they target a new right-back, so Chelsea must act fast.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Celtic, Football, Transfers
Nick Emms