Celtic are seemingly preparing for the impending departure of defender Josip Juranovic, following an update regarding the future of the Croatian.

What's the word?

According to Football Insider, the Parkhead outfit are said to be 'confident' of recouping a fee of more than £5m if they are to part ways with the 27-year-old in the New Year, with the player himself said to be 'keen to listen to offers' as January approaches.

The report suggests that the Hoops have given the full-back the 'green light' to leave if they receive a bid that comes close to matching their valuation, having seemingly seen a stall in negotiations regarding a contract extension for the 23-cap gem.

This follows recent reports that claimed the Scottish champions were "considering selling" the former Legia Warsaw man due to that impasse over a new deal, with the Glasgow side seemingly hoping that they could raise the asking price if the right-back impresses at the World Cup.

The Zagreb-born ace - who arrived in Scotland on a £2.5m deal in the summer of 2021 - was reportedly attracting interest from the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea over the summer, with the suggestion at the time that he could be worth around £15m.

Postecoglou can ditch

Although it may appear something of a blow to allow a player who was "outstanding" last term - in the words of pundit John Hartson - to move on from Paradise, manager Ange Postecoglou has seemingly already acted quickly amid talk that Canada star Alistair Johnston is set to join the club.

The 24-year-old enjoyed an impressive MLS season in which he recorded four goals and four assists in 33 games in 2022, while Juranovic has seemingly made a slow start to the campaign in an attacking sense, with the £16k-per-week man recording just one goal and one assist in 15 games.

The experienced asset - who is also believed to be attracting attention from West Ham United at present - has perhaps not quite been at his best in the current campaign thus far, with pundit Tam McManus notably stating:

“They would take the money and sell him on because he has fallen off in terms of his performances this season.”

With Johnston seemingly on his way to Celtic Park, allowing Juranovic to leave has become far simpler as far as the Hoops boss is concerned, particularly with fellow full-back Anthony Ralston having also blossomed over the past year or so.

The latter man notably chipped in with five goals and nine assists in all competitions last season, while the Scotland international has also begun this term in promising fashion with three assists to date, with such form having seemingly eased the concern regarding the exit of his teammate.

With Postecoglou already well-stocked in the right-back department, the 57-year-old can seemingly be ruthless and move on Juranovic for as large a fee as possible, with it already looking as if they could well at least double their initial investment.