Everton are being tipped to make a move for Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston
Everton are planning to make an offer for Canada World Cup star Alistair Johnston but Celtic’s valuation of the right-back could force the Blues to rethink their plans.
That’s the verdict of reporter Michael Gannon at the ECHO’s sister paper the Daily Record in Glasgow. Earlier this week, the same publication stated that they understand Celtic are braced for a big-money bid landing from Everton for Johnston and while an official offer is yet to be received, Hill Dickinson Stadium chiefs are now preparing to make their move with the player aware of the interest.
The piece added that Johnston has been a smash hit for the Hoops following his £3million move from Montreal in 2022, but while he was a major miss for most of last term after suffering a serious hamstring injury last October, he returned to play a key role as Martin O’Neill’s side completed a domestic double.
Additionally, it is said the Celts are hoping to keep Johnston for at least another season – with his contract running until 2029 – but the 27-year-old’s stock is soaring after a string of impressive displays for the Canucks at this year’s World Cup, where they were co-hosts along with the USA and Mexico.
However, speaking on Hotline Live, Gannon said: “We’ve heard about Everton keeping an eye on him for a few weeks. From what I gather, that’s now stepping up to preparing an actual bid for Johnston. He’s very high on the top of the wishlist for Moyes.
“The money required to make Celtic blink: I think you’re looking north of £20million, maybe even towards £25million. I don’t think, from what I’m being told, Everton value him that highly.
“Maybe £10m to £15m. I don't think £15m will make Celtic blink.”
Right-back, of course, remains Everton’s long-running problem position. Kenny Tete could have filled the void last summer, but after a U-turn, he decided to sign a new deal at Fulham instead.
Ahead of the winter window closing, David Moyes admitted that the club had been actively searching for a new right-back for a year. Nathan Patterson came close to leaving before the winter window closed and despite featuring for Scotland in the World Cup, he remains surplus to requirements having seen team-mates such as Ben Godfrey and more recently, Jake O’Brien, selected out of position ahead of him.
Combine that with long-serving club captain Seamus Coleman departing after 17-and-a-half years and Everton’s need for a new recruit has grown even greater.
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