[Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent](https://www.footballinsider247.com/author/pete-o-rourke-transfer-correspondent)
Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.
The 28-year-old was a leading target for David Moyes' side during the summer as they desperately sought a new signing at right-back, where they have a glaring weakness.
Eventually, the Toffees completed the signing of Ainsley Maitland-Niles, but are still lacking an out-and-out right-back, with multiple players filling in as makeshift options.
The Canada international has made just three appearances for Celtic so far this season, with multiple hamstring injuries delaying his return to Martin O'Neill's starting XI.
Johnston could be available for as little as £15million in the January transfer window, with Celtic open to offers, but Everton are now prepared to look elsewhere.
Could Everton make a move to sign Alistair Johnston?
Former Everton scout Bryan King told Football Insider in August that the Toffees were plotting a move to sign Johnston, with Moyes a big fan of the Celtic right-back.
Ahead of the January transfer window, Everton are now having doubts about revisiting the deal, and Johnston could be set to stay at Celtic after all.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "I think there'll be interest in Alistair Johnson, because he's a quality player.
"He's been probably unlucky with injuries, that's been the thing that's been restricting him so far this season as well, but that probably puts question marks over him for potential suitors.
"When he's fit and playing well, he's a top player, Alistair Johnston. I'm sure the player himself, if the opportunity came, would look at a move to the Premier League as well after Everton were interested.
"Again, I think for January, it’s probably a difficult deal to do because the price tag that Celtic would have in his head would be looking around £15million for the Canada International.
How do Celtic feel about selling Johnston?
Celtic had been open to offers for Johnston during the summer in a move which sparked the initial interest from Everton, but would only sell him for the right price.
That £15million asking price ultimately proved prohibitive for the Toffees and also for his other suitors, while his situation remains up in the air ahead of the mid-season window.
Football Insider reported on 27 October that Celtic should be looking to cash in on Johnston due to his lack of availability, having barely featured during this campaign.
Johnston made just 11 appearances for Celtic last season as separate hamstring issues kept him sidelined from August to October and October to April.
Those injuries have now cropped up again, and could see Celtic push him out of the exit door in favour of finding a more reliable right-back.