Everton's search for a new right-back will continue into the final month of the transfer window after so far failing to address the problem position.
The Toffees have been in desperate need of a natural right-back in recent seasons due to Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson's limited game time through injury.
With Coleman bringing the curtain down on his Everton career this summer and with Patterson expected to move on permanently, the need for a right-back has only intensified as David Moyes' side look to kick on in the Premier League.
Jake O'Brien has been a regular in the position for the manager but the 25-year-old is naturally a centre-back and is limited in the final third when it comes to Everton attacking down the right flank.
Everton supporters are desperate for a new right-back to come in and solve the issue ahead of their league opener against Crystal Palace next month.
Everton preparing right-back offer
Alistair Johnston of Celtic
Alistair Johnston of Celtic
Everton are interested in a deal for Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston, according to The Herald.
The 27-year-old has been a hit at Celtic Park since joining from CF Montreal in 2023, scoring seven goals and assisting 24 times in 122 appearances for the Bhoys.
Johnston also recently appeared for Canada at the World Cup as he started all five of their games as they reached the Round of 16.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
The Herald report that while Celtic would prefer to keep their player in Glasgow, they are bracing themselves for a bid in excess of £10m for Johnston with Everton preparing to firm up their interest.
The right-back, who is on a shortlist of right-back options for Everton, also has Champions League experience to his name after making 16 appearances for Celtic in the competition in recent seasons.
What Johnston can offer Everton
USA vs Canada 2021
United States forward Christian Pulisic and Canada defender Alistair Johnston battle for the ball during the first half in a FIFA World Cup Qualifier match Nissan Stadium Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021 in Nashville, Tenn.
Credit: George Walker IV / The Tennessean via Imagn Content Services, LLC
Johnston has excelled at right-back since Ange Postecoglou lured him to Celtic in 2023.
A firm favourite with his managers, Brendan Rodgers waxed lyrical about the Canadian in September 2024, offering an insight to Everton fans if the defender is to move to Merseyside before the end of the summer transfer window.
“He possesses so many qualities – his hunger to win, he has a robustness, his power, his strength and he is hard to beat in one-v-one," he told Celtic's official website.
“And he now totally understands how I want him to work, so he is now able to release himself, and can march, he can go forward and test the mentality of his marker.
“And you see him now, he’s scoring goals and creating goals. But, ultimately, he can defend well.
“He has that hunger to defend, and he’s a really good guy, so I really enjoy working with him, and he will still only get better.
“When you think of his journey back home, and then in the MLS, and then to here and being an international player, so he’s only going to improve and I can see that in him in my time here.”
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!