Manchester United have maintained interest in a summer transfer target who is now soaring in Qatar…
What’s the word?
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Dean Jones reported that the Red Devils are still interested in Josip Juranovic, with the right-back playing an integral role for Croatia, who have made it to the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup.
Jones said: “Manchester United have had a close eye on him for sure.
“To be honest, his valuation is going to depend on which level of club comes in for him, because if it’s Man United, you hike it up. But if it’s a West Ham, then you’re not going to be getting as much.”
According to the Daily Mail, United boss Erik ten Hag has held an interest in the 27-year-old since arriving at the club in the summer, and with the full-back position an area the club wish to strengthen, the Dutchman is now seemingly preparing a winter bid.
Bad news for Dalot
United may be scouring the market for new additions, but with Diogo Dalot excelling on the world stage with Portugal, questions arise over whether the signing of the 27-year-old Juranovic would be the best avenue for the club and the respective players.
As per Sofascore, both players have been enjoying marvellous campaigns in Qatar, playing important roles for their nation and both steering towards the quarter-finals.
Juranovic has recorded a rating of 7.15, starting all four matches, while the Portuguese Dalot has been sensational, recording an average rating of 7.8 across the past two fixtures, notably producing a wondrous performance in the 6-1 round-of-16 demolition of Switzerland.
And in the Premier League, Dalot has remained a consistent performer, making an average of 2.1 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per match, whereas the 25-cap Croatian has managed just 1.1 tackles and 0.6 interceptions for Celtic this term.
Although Chris Sutton has described the Croat as "outstanding", a superlative that aptly sums up his World Cup, Juranovic's performances this season at club level have earned some unwanted criticism, with pundit Tam McManus labelling him “too inconsistent”, having just mustered one goal and assist apiece for the Glasgow giants and failed to leave a positive mark regarding his defensive duties.
Despite playing well in Qatar, the Celtic ace has been overshadowed by Dalot, and to evict him from his starting role when he is just starting to roar into life would be ludicrous.
If Aaron Wan-Bissaka was to move back to Crystal Palace, something that has been rumoured, after failing to stamp his authority into the club, then a move may be more viable, but with Juranovic likely demanding regular first-team minutes, Dalot’s progress might just be hampered. It's a move that only spells bad news for the ever-impressive Portuguese wing-back.