Celtic may well be facing the prospect of losing more than just defender Josip Juranovic in the near future, amid worrying recent reports regarding another pivotal Parkhead figure...

What's the word?

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Hoops starlet Liel Abada is currently attracting interest from clubs in England's top-flight as a result of his recent sparkling form, with the 21-year-old having only joined the Old Firm giants back in the summer of 2021.

Ange Postecoglou and co will seemingly fight to keep hold of the Israel international, however, with the transfer guru stating: "Premier League clubs are following Liel Abada for the future. Talented winger born in 2001, has scored 24 goals and also provided 13 assists in 18 months.

"Celtic consider Abada as key player and they want to keep him at all costs, even if PL clubs are tracking him."

This follows recent reports from Romano which suggested that the aforementioned Juranovic is on the "radar" of multiple clubs following his displays at the World Cup in Qatar, with the Bhoys potentially open to selling the Croatian in January following a stall in contract negotiations.

Real concern

It would certainly be a real blow were the Scottish champions to lose Abada any time soon, with the club already having to fend off reported Premier League interest in the likes of Bosun Lawal and Ewan Otoo.

While that duo have yet to make the breakthrough in the first-team, Abada has swiftly cemented his place in Postecoglou's side since joining from Maccabi Petah Tikva 18 months ago, having played a vital role in last season's title triumph.

The "aggressive" asset - as lauded by his manager - scored 15 goals and registered 11 assists in what was a sparkling debut campaign last time out, with only Portuguese gem Jota having provided more goal involvements (27) for the club in that glorious 2021/22 campaign.

The £15k-per-week dynamo has started the new season in fine fashion with nine goals and four assists to his name across all fronts, including 11 goal involvements in only 17 Scottish Premiership games to date.

The 5 foot 6 wizard has been particularly impressive since the return to competitive action following the World Cup break, having notably played his part in both goals in the most recent victory over Livingston.

That outing showcased just what a 'constant threat' the youngster can be in his wide berth - in the words of Glasgow Live's Alan Galindo - with it arguably no surprise that the sharks are beginning to circle for his signature.

For Postecoglou, however, there will be undoubted fear at losing one of his "key" men - as described by Romano - particularly amid the uncertainty that is already brewing regarding Juranovic's future.

The 57-year-old visionary won't want to see his title-winning outfit so swiftly picked apart by interested suitors...