Everton want Alistair Johnston, but Celtic are not shifting easily. Everton have tabled an offer worth around £12million plus add-ons, while Celtic want around £15million or more, and that gap is still defining the move rather than any sense that it is close to done.

Celtic's asking price

Johnston's numbers help explain why Celtic are pushing back. He has made 122 appearances for the club over the last four seasons, with 7 goals and 24 assists from right-back. That is not the profile of a fringe player, and it is not the kind of squad piece Celtic are likely to let go cheaply.

Martin O'Neill has also made clear that the situation is still live, not settled. Speaking to givemesport.com, he said David Moyes had called him last week and that Everton had been in contact, though he was unsure how far things had progressed. He also said he would love to keep Johnston until after the Champions League play-off against LASK, with Celtic due to host the home leg on August 19 and travel for the away leg on August 25.

Everton are still looking at options

The picture around Everton has cooled enough that alternatives are already being checked. The club have explored RB Leipzig right-back Ridle Baku and Strasbourg defender Guela Doue, which is usually what happens when a first choice starts looking expensive rather than straightforward.

O'Neill's other comments suggest Johnston is not forcing the issue. He said he had spoken to the player and that he was perfectly happy at Celtic, while also admitting that a big Premier League club could turn his head. That leaves this where it has been for a while, with Everton interested, Celtic firm, and a player profile good enough to keep the conversation going.

The sensible read is that Everton remain in the hunt, but not on their own terms. Celtic have leverage because Johnston is established, productive and tied into their Champions League plans, and the fee still looks like the main obstacle before anything more concrete can happen.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 5 outlets. How we work →