David Moyes
Everton are said to have a back-up plan in case they can't get hold of Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston this summer. The Toffees are pushing hard to land Johnston, who impressed after coming back from a serious injury last season, helping Celtic to a league and cup double, and he then went on to impress with Canada at the World Cup.
David Moyes has called Martin O'Neill to inform his old friend of his interest in the right-back, and there has been talk of a £15million bid, but Celtic might just have a bigger fee in mind, given Johnston's importance to the team and the fact they will welcome big money for other players this summer, meaning they don't have to, and certainly don't want to sell.
That's not to say Johnston is out of reach for Everton, but they may have to pay above £15million to get a job done, and in the meantime, Johnston has been in action for Celtic, on Monday night, so a deal does not seem to be very close, and the Toffees are said to be lining up an alternative.
Molina earmarked as Johnston alternative.
Nahuel Molina
According to according to Italian journalist Luca Cerchione, Everton hold interest in Atletico Madrid right-back Nahuel Molina amid their ongoing Johnston chase. Roma are also said to be interested, and the Italian giants have reportedly submitted a €15million bid, and Gianluca Di Marzio has followed up that report with a claim of his own.
He says Roma have offered €15million plus bonuses for Molina, but their main option is Givairo Read, and they are hoping Feyenoord drop their €25million plus add-ons asking price, and if they do not, then a deal for Read will not be possible, leaving them to sign Molina.
The Argentina World Cup star is expected to move on from Atleti this summer, and it's likely Everton will only circle back to him if they don't sign Johnston and he remains available. But for now, Johnston does appear to be the primary option.
It's easy to see why, too, with Johnston an incredibly reliable and hard-working character, while Molina has been charged by FIFA for allegedly punching a Spain player after Argentina's World Cup final defeat.
Simeone a big fan of hard-working Molina
Speaking in 2024, Atletico boss Diego Simeone said of Molina: "Molina is a player who is very important for us, who has many, many good things, others to improve, like all footballers. When a player has shown himself to be so important for us, with his runs, goals, crosses and work, it's normal that when he goes through a difficult moment the criticism appears."
He added: "Nahuel Molina is a noble and hard-working boy. When he gets through this period, he will give us the good things that he has."
Simeone said this summer: "Molina, Musso, Robin... They have the characteristics of the players we need in our squad. About Nahuel, I'm very clear that his best football comes in transitions, from the middle of the pitch forward."