Report: Newcastle want to sign 27-year-old World Cup semi-finalist, he's just pocketed £38m Real Madrid star

By Ben Evans

Newcastle United will be looking at the January transfer window as the perfect opportunity to build on their fantastic start to the season.

Eddie Howe will be hoping his side can continue their brilliant form that has found them in the top four.

A report from the Sunday Post (back page, 11/12/2022), suggests Howe may be eyeing a new recruit.

The World Cup has proved to be a fantastic platform for players to potentially find new clubs.

Newcastle’s recruitment is likely to be a lot more sophisticated than simply tuning into events in Qatar.

However, performing well on the biggest stage certainly won’t harm your reputation.

The Sunday Post suggest that Newcastle now want to sign Celtic full-back Josip Juranovic.

The 27-year-old right-back has been fantastic for Croatia, who face Argentina for a place in the World Cup final.

The report suggests they may face competition from Chelsea and Manchester United for his signature.

But on league position alone, Newcastle is potentially the most attractive club for him.

Newcastle want to sign Juranovic

Juranovic is part of a Croatian defence that also includes highly-regarded centre-back Josko Gvardiol.

Both players have turned heads, and put in phenomenal performances against Brazil.

They eventually won the match on penalties, but not before Juranovic pocketed Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr.

The £38m attacker had been one of Brazil’s best players in the tournament, but didn’t get a sniff against Juranovic.

The right-back made four clearances, won four tackles, and every one of his ground duels.

Newcastle might want to sign Juranovic as competition for Kieran Trippier.

Trippier is one of Newcastle’s most important players, and has been brilliant this season.

His current back-ups are Emil Krafth and Javier Manquillo, but Juranovic would be an upgrade on both players.

Newcastle are likely to face competition from a number of Premier League clubs for Juranovic.

GiveMeSport have suggested that both West Ham and Manchester United are keeping tabs on him.

Celtic have already secured their replacement for Juranovic in the form of Canadian international Alastair Johnson.

Juranovic looks set to be on the move in January, however, his destination has yet to be decided.