Man Utd: Steve McClaren 'recommended' £15m signing at Old Trafford

Manchester United ‘looked into’ Celtic defender Josip Juranovic ‘on the recommendation’ of Steve McClaren, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Red Devils were believed to be in the market for a new right-back this summer after manager Erik ten Hag informed Aaron Wan-Bissaka that he was surplus to requirements.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealed back in June that Juranovic was ‘expected to leave’ Celtic after enjoying an outstanding maiden campaign in Scottish football.

In his 44 appearances across all competitions, the Croatia international racked up 10 goal contributions, playing a pivotal part as the Hoops claimed the Scottish Premiership title and the League Cup crown.

A report from the Daily Mail then claimed that Juranovic had come onto United, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid’s radar.

It was claimed that Celtic would demand £15 million for the versatile 27-year-old, who still has four years remaining on his current contract at Parkhead, yet a formal offer never materialised.

Juranovic is now seemingly set to spend another year under the tutelage of Ange Postecoglou, but another impressive season could see some of Europe’s top clubs come calling once again next summer.

Jones has informed GiveMeSport that first-team coach McClaren was the one who advised Ten Hag to take a closer look at Juranovic, but the Dutchman decided it was ‘too risky’ to make a move.

In an interview with GMS, he said: “Juranovic at Celtic was looked into on the recommendation of McClaren.

“It was just considered too risky in the end. Ten Hag wants players at this stage that he has a better understanding of.”

United may have decided against bringing Juranovic to Old Trafford, but they were able to secure several new signings for Ten Hag ahead