It is being reported that English Premier League side Chelsea are to accelerate their interest in Celtic defender Josip Juranovic [Daily Mail].

The Croatian international has been linked with a number of different clubs over the past few weeks following on from his terrific performances at the World Cup as Graham Potter’s side become the latest team to be involved in the conversation.

Within their ranks, The Blues currently have Juranovic’s international teammate Mateo Kovačić who is likely to have put in a good word about the 27-year-old defender.

Money is currently no issue for the London club after the takeover by American businessman Todd Boehly and in their latest Premier League match they suffered a potential setback as England international Reece James was forced off after his long-awaited return to action.

He has been out for the past three months following a knee injury which also kept him out the England squad for the World Cup and Chelsea will hope that the fresh injury isn’t anywhere near as bad.

If it is, it looks increasingly likely that they will turn their interest towards Juranovic who they have been reportedly keen on for some matter of time.

The Scottish champions are willing to listen to offers for the defender as they have already recruited Canadian international Alistair Johnston who looks to be the former Legia Warsaw defenders replacement.

Although, the £8 million fee being reported in the newspaper seems very much below par for Juranovic and Celtic will be looking for a whole lot more as he is contracted to the club until 2026.