Celtic’s stance on Alistair Johnston exit emerges as Everton ready £15m bid
Everton look to be stepping up their interest in Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston.
The Blues need to find a new right-back, as David Moyes was forced to play Jake O'Brien out of position last season.
The last time that they spent a fee on a player in that position in a summer transfer window was Phil Neville's signature in 2005.
Goodison News has covered that the Parkhead side are expecting a bid from Everton.
The 63-cap international is perhaps the most exciting target to have been mentioned so far, after he starred at the World Cup with Canada.
A new update has been shared on whether the Toffees could sign the four-time Scottish Premiership winner.
How do Celtic feel about selling Everton target Alistair Johnston?
Everton are understood to be serious in their interest in Johnston as they look to solve their problem position.
The Daily Record's Michael Gannon claims Celtic feel they do not need to sell the defender.
He states that the Blues are willing to pay £15million for the 27-year-old, but that amount may not even convince Martin O'Neill's side.
He said: "The word from inside Parkhead is they neither need nor want to sell Johnston right now.
"There’s a Champions League qualifier on the horizon for a start and he will be needed big time.
"It’s also dubious whether Everton are going to get to the figure that would even make Celtic blink.
"Sources on Merseyside suggest David Moyes would be willing to go up to around £15m for the Canuck ace.
"That’s a hefty figure – but it still might not be enough. The Toffees taking a bite might trigger others to join the fight too."
What's next for Everton's pursuit of Johnston?
Everton may have to go above and beyond to seal Johnston's signature this summer, with O'Neill's side seemingly prepared to play hardball over an exit.
If a £15m approach is knocked back by the Hoops, then they may have to up the ante and go closer to the £20m mark to get their man.
That would be a huge figure for the Scottish club and will surely test their resolve on keeping the defender.
They may also have to persuade the player to push for a move, and resort to putting in a formal transfer request.
That is another move that could force the Glasgow side's hand to sell one of their prized assets.
While the Blues are not in Europe and the Bhoys are in the Champions League qualifiers, the top-flight of English football is considered the pinnacle for many players, so it may a selling point.
It remains to be seen whether the Merseysiders can come up with the package that will convince the G40 outfit to sell, but they could definitely make it difficult.