Steve McClaren 'recommends Scottish Premiership player to Erik ten Hag', he could be an absolute bargain

Manchester United assistant manager Steve McClaren has reportedly recommended Celtic star Josip Juranovic to Erik ten Hag ahead of the January transfer window.

The 27-year-old has been a key player for Celtic since joining the club from Polish giants Legia Warsaw last year.

He initially signed a contract until the summer of 2026, and has already made over 50 appearances for the club in all competitions.

But there has been concern over the Croatian defender's future at Celtic Park, with the Daily Mail claiming in November that contract talks have proven to be 'unsuccessful', and that the club are preparing for offers for the player in January.

Juranovic is currently playing at the World Cup in Qatar. He has played every minute of the tournament for Zlatko Dalic's side, helping them to the semi-finals. They take on Argentina on Tuesday evening.

And it is his World Cup performances that appear to have partially prompted United assistant McClaren to recommend him to Old Trafford chiefs, according to reports.

Man Utd interested in Juranovic

According to transfer journalist Dean Jones (via Football Transfer Tavern), McClaren has urged Ten Hag to consider Juranovic as a potential signing in January.

United are on the lookout for a right-back, with competition needed for Diogo Dalot. The Portugal international has started every game he has been available for the Red Devils this season, and also featured heavily during his nation's run to the World Cup quarter-final.

Juranovic could come relatively cheaply, with Transfermarkt valuing him at just €6.5 million prior to the World Cup getting underway.

But that fee is likely to be much higher come the end of the tournament, even though Celtic have already signed another right-back in the form of Canada international Alistair Johnston.

Former Hoops striker Chris Sutton believes his former club should sell the player for a 'premium rate' if they need to move him on in January.

He said (via Daily Record): "I believe they should try to keep him until next summer, as he's such an important player and Celtic have a title to be secured. But, if circumstances dictate that he is to go next month, it should be for a premium rate.

"I'm not comparing them as players, but Kieran Tierney, a full-back, left Celtic to join Arsenal for £25m.

"Yes, Kieran was younger, but Juranovic is now going to have a World Cup semi-final on his CV. He and Croatia might even win the tournament. Juranovic is a first-pick for a country who are consistently high performers at major tournaments and in major competitions.

"Given the position of it being mid-season, given the fact that Juranovic will just have come off a starring role at a World Cup, and given the fact Celtic do not need to sell, they should aim high."