David Moyes
David Moyes
Everton are closing in on the signing of Celtic star Alistair Johnston after tabling a formal bid, according to Record Sport.
The Toffees have had a strong summer transfer window so far, bringing in Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough, while they also made Merlin Rohl and Tyrique George's loan moves permanent. The club have also worked this weekend to agree a deal with Arsenal for Christian Norgaard, and have shown a strong interest in both Man Utd striker Ethan Wheatley, and Galatasaray forward Baris Alper Yilmaz.
But the club are also keen to strengthen their defensive options after seeing Seamus Coleman depart at the end of his contract, and the Canadian has emerged as a top target.
Everton Table Bid for Johnston
Alistair Johnston of Celtic
Alistair Johnston of Celtic
Johnston, who has been described as 'sensational', has been a regular for Celtic in recent seasons, making 122 appearances over the last four seasons. He struggled with injury in the 2025/26 season, however, restricting him to just 11 appearances, but he still went to the World Cup and helped Canada reach the knockout stages.
Now Everton have identified the 27-year-old as a top target to come into the club to solve their right-back issues, and the Merseyside club have tabled an offer worth around £12m plus add-ons.
It's believed that Celtic want more than that, but a deal is expected to be closed for around £15m. Johnston is understood to be very keen on making the move to the Premier League, and has told Celtic, and negotiations are ongoing between the clubs.
Everton are looking to strengthen in the full-back position after moving Coleman on, while there is also an expectation that Nathan Patterson will be allowed to leave the club.
Jake O'Brien has been the first-choice right-back during Moyes' time at the club so far, but he is naturally a centre-back, and he could move back into the middle to compete with James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, and Jarrad Branthwaite for a starting spot.
Martin O'Neill Confirms Johnston Talks
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill waves to the crowd
Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers
Reports of Everton's interest in Johnston emerged over the weekend, and Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has confirmed that talks have been held between the clubs over a deal.
“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," he said, speaking on Friday.
"Everton have been in contact. 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. But yeah, that would be disappointing obviously. But I suppose it's to be expected, you know, players who have done well."
David Moyes
David Moyes