Everton manager David Moyes has been in touch over Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston reveals Martin O'Neill
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill and (inset) Everton manager David Moyes
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill and (inset) Everton manager David Moyes
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Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has revealed that his Everton counterpart David Moyes has been in contact with him over right-back Alistair Johnston.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Bhoys' opening Scottish Premiership fixture at home to Dundee on Monday, the 74-year-old who returned to Parkhead to lead the Glasgow giants to a domestic double last season, was asked about West Ham United's bid for Arne Engels and the Blues' reported interest in the Canada World Cup star.
O'Neill told Sky Sports Scotland: “West Ham, yeah, I think there’s definitely truth in that. I think there’s been something put in that hasn’t remotely made our valuation for a start.
“And the same with Alistair Johnston, Everton have been in contact. And I’m not sure whether there’s been a bid in there for that one, but they’ve been in contact saying that they would be.
“In fairness, David Moyes did call me last week and say that there would be contact. But I don’t know how far that has progressed, if it has at all.
“But yeah, that would be disappointing obviously. But I suppose it’s to be expected, you know, players who have done well.
“We turned down a big offer in January from Nottingham Forest, they came in at the very last minute, so we couldn’t do anything. Arne was alright with it, you know.
“But it’s difficult to stop people if their ambition is to play in a big, big league. West Ham have been relegated but obviously enhance their financial situation, those things are difficult.
“Our job is to try and keep them, try and do our best to keep them. If that’s not possible, naturally we’ll have to try and get replacements in. To replace those players would be a difficult task.”