Celtic are reportedly braced for interest in Alistair Johnston this summer.
The defender was a standout performer as Canada reached the round of 16 at a home World Cup this summer.
This has led to transfer rumours, including one this week that Everton are set to make an approach for Johnston.
Martin O’Neill looks to have already lost Daizen Maeda, whilst Arne Engels is also expected to depart in the near future – and it might not be finished there.
Are you worried Alistair Johnston’s World Cup performances results in him leaving Celtic? 😬🍀
Interest is growing as Johnston thrives with Canada… 🇨🇦
Everton ‘weighing up’ approach for Alistair Johnston
According to The Scottish Sun, Blues boss David Moyes is weighing up a bid for Johnston.
The imminent sale of Nathan Patterson will leave Moyes without a single recognised right-back in his squad, making multiple additions in the position a likely possibility.
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The report adds that Celtic are braced for interest in Johnston, who has also been linked with a move to Fulham.
Johnston was labelled ‘world-class’ in Canada’s 6-0 win against Qatar, performing at his best despite spending most of the season out injured.
His Parkhead contract runs until 2029; he was brought to Glasgow from CF Montreal for a fee of £3 million three-and-a-half years ago.
Johnston indicated that he wanted to stay at Celtic in May by acting as a public agent for his brother in an attempt to get him a move to Scotland.
However, speaking earlier this season, Johnston was more coy on his Celtic future, leaving the door open for a potential switch to the Premier League.
A sale this summer could potentially open the door for Julian Araujo to return, though any deal with Bournemouth would be extremely tricky.
💥 Martin O’Neill hasn’t dropped his issue with Jim White.
The pair haven't spoken since the end of last season…
Alistair Johnston on his Celtic future and Premier League ‘dream’
Speaking about his future last year, Johnston was high in his praise of Celtic, but admitted that playing in the English top-flight was a dream.
He said on the Park the Bus podcast: “If you were to say that I was able to finish my career at Celtic, it means that I’ve done something right.
“For a club of this magnitude to want to keep you in the building for that long.
“At the same time, I’m a player who has struggled when I’ve gotten satisfied or comfortable. I think that’s sometimes where my game can lag a little bit.
“The Premier League is a dream for pretty much every player, it’s the highest level you can play at. But luckily in my time at Celtic I’ve been able to play in some pretty big matches in the Champions League.”
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