Everton get Alistair Johnston injury update as Martin O'Neill speaks out on transfer target

Everton's pursuit of Celtic's Alistair Johnston should be a lot clearer by the end of the week.

David Moyes was chasing the Parkhead star to try and fill the void at right-back that has plagued him for a long time.

The Blues had reportedly offered £15million, but the Hoops wanted more to allow the Canada international to leave this summer.

Chris Sutton called on his former side to demand a figure closer to the £25m fee that took Kieran Tierney to Arsenal.

Any negotiations seemed to be halted after he suffered a hamstring injury in the 5-1 win over Kilmarnock on 9 August.

Now, Martin O'Neill has shared a new update on his fitness.

What did Martin O'Neill say about ?

Everton may soon have the answer that they need about Johnston's fitness.

The Bhoys' boss shared the update after Celtic's 3-0 win over LASK in the first leg of their Champions League playoff.

Johnston is expected to go for a scan on Thursday before O'Neill speaks to the press again on Friday.

Speaking to the media, per The Scotsman, he said: “By the time I meet up with you again, we should have an idea (how long he will be out),”

The 74-year-old has previously described Johnston as a "proper player" after the 2-1 win over Hibernian in May.

That does not give Moyes' side any clarity over the issue, but they may get it in the coming days.

Where will Everton turn if Johnston is out for the long-term?

Another target, West Ham's Aaron Wan-Bissaka looks set to join Aston Villa on loan.

Atalanta man Raoul Bellanova has been linked, but that seems to have gone quiet in recent weeks.

Brooke Norton-Cuffy continues to be linked with Genoa wanting to sell the former Arsenal academy man.

Daniel Munoz from Crystal Palace is a promising possibility, but there are concerns about his tactical fit.

Where the Toffees turn to, remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure, they need to get someone through the door soon.

The season starts on 22 August against Palace, and it is unlikely that a right-back will be through the door by then.

The recruitment team have work to do, as right now, Jake O'Brien and Merlin Rohl are the options available for Moyes, and that is not good enough.

Neither of those players are natural in the position, and it will be square pegs in round holes once again for the Merseysiders.