Manchester United coach Steven McClaren has recommended Celtic defender Josip Juranovic to Erik ten Hag, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Red Devils were linked with a move for the 27-year-old over the summer and it is anticipated he will finally depart Parkhead when the transfer window re-opens next month.

Manchester United transfer news – Josip Juranovic

Fabrizio Romano has stated that Juranovic is ‘on the radar’ of ‘many clubs’ thanks to his impressive showings at the World Cup and that Celtic are ‘open to discussions’.

A recent report from 90min revealed that West Ham are among the Croatia international’s admirers, although he’s unlikely to be short of potential suitors.

Back in August, the Daily Mail claimed that United, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid were all eager to secure Juranovic’s services and that Celtic valued him at £15 million.

The versatile full-back has disclosed that he’s not currently thinking about his club future, though, and is only focussed on helping Croatia progress at the World Cup.

What has Jones said about Juranovic?

Jones has informed GiveMeSport that McClaren is the main advocate of a move for Juranovic and that he’s recommending the right-back to Ten Hag.

He said: “As we said before, McClaren really likes this guy, and that's where I'm told the recommendation comes from.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

“I guess, typically, Ten Hag is going to look to prefer his own guys over anyone else recommending people.

“But ultimately, he's now been able to see him at the World Cup, and it's a very easy way to scope out a player in real time, especially when they’re playing games of their own.”

Would Juranovic be a good signing?

Juranovic has played every minute of Croatia’s World Cup campaign so far and won praise for his outstanding quarter-final performance against Brazil.

"You know who I want to talk about? The best player on the pitch was a right-back,” said BBC pundit Alex Scott after the encounter in Qatar.

"What a game Juranovic had. Through the 90 minutes he was up and down, his composure on the ball and he ran the game.”

John Hartson has previously labelled Juranovic “outstanding” and with nine goal contributions and two trophies to his name from 50 Celtic appearances, it’s perhaps unsurprising that he’s being so heavily linked with an imminent exit.