The new Prime Minister has made an Everton transfer plea amid their interest in one Celtic star.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham wants Everton to recruit in an area where they are seeking to raid Celtic for.
The new Labour leader is well-known Toffees fan and is hopeful of their chances in the Premier League this season. He has been asked about what they should be looking to do in the transfer market and a right-back is a priority area for him. It comes as boss David Moyes eyes Celtic full-back Alistair Johnston as an option in this position.
Seamus Coleman has moved on and Nathan Patterson has had a difficult time at Everton in that position amid fitness and selection issues since joining from Rangers. Now it’s time for a new player to be recruited in that position and he could get the Prime Minister could get his wish in the Canadian international at Parkhead currently.
Who does Andy Burnham want Everton to sign this summer?
Burnham told GiveMeSport: “How did I become a fan? I had zero choice in the matter. All my mum’s family, all my dad’s family, just before I was barely breathing I was blue. So I’ve been Everton all the way back. The new season, hopeful. I believe we’ve got the right manager in David Moyes. David took us forward last season.
“We were going really well and then perhaps the shallowness of the squad meant at the final stages we dropped away. But real quality, playing some really good football, the new stadium on its best nights is an incredible place to be. Fine atmosphere. So the fundamentals are falling into place, with new owners.
“I’m hoping they may put some investment in this summer. I’m hoping Jack Grealish will give us one more year, at least I hope more than one, because he was a joy to watch last year and he brings a character that Evertonians can completely buy into .So the signs are good but there is one thing that I would just ask: sign a right-back. We need a right-back. Poor old Jake [O'Brien] can’t do another season at right-back. He’s a good player, he’s a great centre-back. Buy a right-back.”
Alistair Johnston has told Celtic he 'wants' to move to Everton this summer, according to reports.placeholder image
Alistair Johnston has told Celtic he 'wants' to move to Everton this summer, according to reports. | AFP via Getty Images
Johnston played the first half of Celtic’s 5-1 win at Kilmarnock on Sunday before being take on off in a precautionary sub to prevent against injury. Assistant coach Shaun Maloney said: “He felt something. That was just precautionary we hope. He was brilliant, as were the two in front, Callum McGregor and Arne Engels.”