Everton had another right-back option on the table before Johnston push
Everton explored a move for RB Leipzig’s Ridle Baku before settling on Alistair Johnston as their leading right-back target, according to The Athletic.
The Germany international was another name considered at the Hill Dickinson as David Moyes searched for a long-term successor to Seamus Coleman.
Baku, 28, has made himself one of the Bundesliga’s more reliable full-backs since joining Leipzig from Wolfsburg last year, capable of playing right-back or further forward on the wing.
It’s the latest sign of how wide Everton have cast the net at right-back this summer.
Nahuel Molina has also been linked, with reports in Italy claiming Everton have opened talks with the Atletico Madrid defender. Djed Spence and Rico Lewis were mentioned earlier in the window too. Baris Alper Yilmaz also continues to be discussed as a versatile alternative, although he is essentially a winger who can also play as a wing-back.
None of that has stopped Johnston emerging as the clear priority. Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has confirmed contact from David Moyes over a move, and Everton are believed to have offered a package worth up to £15m, though Celtic’s valuation is understood to sit higher.
With pre-season winding down and the opening weekend approaching, Moyes will be hoping the alternatives explored earlier in the window don’t end up being needed after all.
Follow every deal on our live transfer tracker.
Gary is editor for ReadEverton. He has many years experience of sports writing behind him after deciding (belatedly) that the world of accountancy wasn't for him. His work has been featured on (among many others) BBC Sport and The Metro. He has written on many sports, but considers himself an expert in football and F1. When not writing and editing he likes to go to the cinema and sip a lovely cold pint of Guinness (not always at the same time).
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