Josip Juranovic swerves Celtic transfer talk as he sends Joe Hart Parkhead return message

Josip Juranovic looks set to return to Celtic ahead of the upcoming season despite ongoing transfer speculation with clubs across Europe being linked with a deal.

The Hoops full-back has been linked with a Parkhead exit with Spanish giants Atletico Madrid the latest club reported to be interested in the Croatian international. But a reply to an Instagram post from teammate Joe Hart has cooled fan fears over an imminent Parkhead exit.

Several of Ange Postecoglou 's squad met up on Monday to begin preparations ahead of what's set to be an exciting season with Celtic featuring in the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2017/18. The former England number one posted a selection of images from his first training session back at Lennoxtown, and Juranovic commented underneath, and he wrote: "See you soon mate! Keep everything safe."

Juranovic was afforded an extended break away from pre-season due to his international commitments with Croatia in the Nations League. The likes of Callum McGregor were also missing.

Celtic do not want to lose Juranovic only a year after he arrived from Legia Warsaw on a five-year contract and the club are not under pressure to sell with guaranteed income to come through their European commitments.

If the 26-year-old were to depart, it would take a reported £15million to prize him away from Glasgow’s east end.

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