Chelsea are set to accelerate their transfer move for Josip Juranovic, according to reports.

The London club have been linked with the Celtic full-back for a number of weeks now after the Croatian's impressive performances at the World Cup.

Now the Daily Mail say Graham Potter's side are set to step up their negotiations after Reece James was forced off injured against Bournemouth yesterday.

The England international has been struggling with a knee knock and it appeared that this flared up once again.

The report also states that Chelsea may only have to splash £8million for the signature of Juranovic.

Sky Sports have also issued an update today suggesting that Chelsea have held internal discussions about the urgency to bring in cover at right-back.

Celtic are braced for bids in January for their star defender and have already moved to sign Canadian Alistair Johnston as a replacement.

Manager Ange Postecoglou is prepared to play Juranovic despite the transfer interest.

He said: "It’s Monday or Tuesday, we’ll get Juranovic back in.

"He’s had a slight injury. It’s unlikely he’ll be available for Hibs, but we’ll see. Until we set eyes on him, we’ll see what condition he’s in. We won’t throw him back in unless he’s absolutely ready to go."

On the transfer interest, he added: "All this speculation. What I can tell you now is that we don't have an offer for any player.

"People can talk about offers and clubs wanting but I can't spend my time chasing shadows of what is in the press every morning. I would be spending my whole day talking to players.

"What I see is what is before me at training every day, if players have things put in front of them about their future I am sure they will come and see me and Michael will speak to their representatives. 

"But right now there is nothing, zero, zip, nada, nothing going on."

Celtic Way:

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