Hoops boss spoke ahead of their Premiership opener against Dundee
Celtic boss Martin O’Neill has revealed his Everton counterpart David Moyes has been in touch over a potential deal for defender Alistair Johnston - and has also confirmed the Hoops have rejected a bid from West Ham for midfielder Arne Engels.
Parkhead will play host to the champions’ first league fixture of the season on Monday night against Dundee - however the main talking points are off the field at the moment in the East End of Glasgow, as interest from south of the border threatens to distract the Hoops.
After a strong World Cup for his native Canada, Premier League giants Everton have been considering swooping in for Johnston. The 27-year old has been a key figure for Celtic at right back since his 2023 move from Montreal in the MLS. He appears to have caught the eye of Moyes, as they he looks for reinforcements in this area of the pitch.
Johnston has made 122 appearances for Celtic.placeholder image
Johnston has made 122 appearances for Celtic. | Getty Images
Everton ‘in contact’ over Johnston
Moyes - who spent three years at Celtic as a player - goes back a long way with O’Neill. Speaking ahead of the Dundee clash, the veteran Hoops boss confirmed Everton’s interest and also praised the manner in which the Scotsman went about informing him. Regarding Johnston speculation, he said: “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.
"Whether I like it or not, I bet you agents will be doing that [telling players to explore options], one way or the other. No-one obeys any rules now - us included. No-one does that. This idea of the gentlemanly thing, that was amazing actually that David should actually speak to me, I think that's only knowing each other for some time. He was preparing me that something might be happening.”
Former Rangers man Nathan Patterson looks headed for the exit door at the Hill Dickinson, as Seamus Coleman’s retirement at the end last season also left a gaping hole at right back. It’s reported the Toffees would be willing to fork out £15m for Johnston, who is under contract at Celtic until the summer of 2029.
Engels has attracted interest from across Europe.placeholder image
Engels has attracted interest from across Europe. | Getty Images
West Ham bid rejected for Engels
Elsewhere, the manager also confirmed West Ham have a bid swiftly rejected to Engels - a deja vu from the January window when Nottingham Forest had three offers knocked back for the 22-year old. The figures this time around remain unknown, but O’Neill was firm in his opinion that the Belgian is worth more. He continued: “I think there's definitely truth in that (a rejected bid). I think there's been something put in that hasn't remotely made our valuation for a start.”
Engels was Celtic’s most expensive ever player when transferred from Augsburg to Glasgow in 2024 for £11m, however he’s now been leapfrogged by new signing from Bodo Glimt Kasper Hogh. West Ham have plenty of financial resources to improve their initial bid, the recently-relegated side sold midfielder Mateus Fernandes and winger Crysencio Summerville for a combined total of £145m as they strive to regain Premier League status as soon as possible.
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