Chris Sutton makes £25m Alistair Johnston claim after what he's heard about Everton transfer pursuit
Everton continue to be linked with a move for Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston.
The Canada international, who has 63 caps for his country, has emerged as a leading target to fill a troublesome position for the Toffees.
It is absolutely no secret that David Moyes wants to add a right-back during the summer transfer window.
Seamus Coleman's departure, coupled with the fact Nathan Patterson is not fancied by Moyes, leaves Everton with a major headache.
Jake O'Brien filled the role for much of last season, but he is far more at home playing at centre-back.
Sky Sports pundit and former Celtic pundit Chris Sutton has spoken about what he has heard about Everton's pursuit.
Chris Sutton tells Alistair Johnston suitors to pay up
Johnston's stock rose even higher after a series of fine performances for Canada at the World Cup.
Aged 27, Johnston is entering the prime years of his career, but with three years left on his Celtic contract it is not an easy deal for Everton.
Indeed, Sutton believes that is what Sutton thinks should play into Celtic's hands if Everton, or any team, want to conclude a deal.
Moreover, Sutton thinks that only a fee of £25million should get Celtic considering a sale for the full-back, having heard the Toffees could be backing off in their pursuit.
Writing for the Daily Record, he opined: "So I hear Everton have backed off Alistair Johnston because they won't meet Celtic's asking price.
"Good. If that's the case then Celtic should stand their ground because, for me, Johnston is worth a minimum of £25million.
"Would Johnston have fancied the move to the Premier League? I don’t know, possibly. But that doesn't mean Celtic have to roll over.
"Johnston has three years left on his contract. Celtic are perfectly entitled to say: 'No, that's not enough.'
"Johnston had an excellent World Cup. He has improved as a player. He’s under contract until 2029. So why should Celtic be accepting less? For me, £25m is fair."
Who else could Everton target at right-back?
It is absolutely imperative that Everton sign a new right-back this season.
Of course, that does not mean they have to just sign anyone, they have to make sure they get the right profile in.
But, they have known about this issue for so long so there is no excuse to not solve it during the transfer window.
If they do back off their pursuit of Johnston, then perhaps one of the other players they have been linked to could come into consideration.
Atletico Madrid's Nahuel Molina is one name who has been mooted as a possibility and would probably represent a cheaper option.
West Ham's Aaron Wan-Bissaka is thought to want a move back to the Premier League and is a player previously linked to Everton.
Djed Spence has also been mentioned, though it remains to be seen what his stance on leaving Tottenham Hotspur this summer is.