Celtic defender Josip Juranovic looks increasingly likely to be heading for the exit door in the New Year, amid rampant speculation over the Croatian's future at Parkhead.

What's the word?

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has only recently revealed that the Scottish champions are "open" to offers for the 27-year-old after a stall in contract negotiations, with West Ham United having been mooted as a potential destination of late.

The latest suggestion is that the Hoops would be looking for more than £5m if they are to part ways in January, although reports over the summer stated that the full-back's valuation could be closer to £15m, amid interest from Manchester United, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid.

Journalist Dean Jones - speaking to GIVEMESPORT - has now provided an update on the former Legia Warsaw man's current situation, with the transfer insider suggesting that a departure could well be on the cards - potentially to the Premier League.

The respected source stated: "It’ll be interesting, there is a pretty good chance that he leaves, I’m told that.

“And there’s no doubt he could end up in the Premier League because there have been two or three clubs watching them over the course of the season so far.”

Time to cash in

If the Old Firm giants are able to recoup a fee close to that previous £15m valuation it could well represent an astute piece of business for Ange Postecoglou and co, with the club having signed the right-back for just £2.5m back in the summer of 2021.

Although it may well be something of a blow to lose a player who is so highly coveted, the £16k-per-week man has no doubt come under scrutiny for his form so far this season, having notably been dubbed as "too inconsistent" by pundit Tam McManus.

After laying on fallen off" this time around - according to McManus - with just one goal and one assist to his name this season in 15 outings.

In a side that relies upon its front-foot and aggressive approach, that return of goal involvements for the Zagreb-born ace is no doubt somewhat disappointing.

By contrast, teammate Anthony Ralston has already recorded three assists from just nine appearances in the 2022/23 campaign, while the Scotland international also thrived last term after netting five goals and registering nine assists.

With new addition Alistair Johnston to add into the equation - the Canadian gem having provided eight goal involvements in the MLS this year - Postecoglou's side are already well-equipped in the right-back berth, hence the willingness to allow Juranovic to depart.

Although the latter man has been a solid performer for the Bhoys over the past year or so, there will likely be few tears shed if the club can rake in a sizeable fee in the winter window, such is the quality already at the manager's disposal to help replace him.