A graphic of Alistair Johnston in a half-and-half Celtic and Everton kit with Hill Dickinson Stadium in the background
Alistair Johnston in Celtic and Everton kitsManh Tung, Breaking Media
Transfers

Everton insiders sceptical amid Alistair Johnston transfer latest

Pete Hanson
Pete Hanson

Head of Editorial Standards & Recruitment AUTHORITY Former senior digital journalist at Stats Perform; network specialist in live data, editorial standards, and journalist recruitment. FOCUS Editorial standards, Statscore live data integration, newsroom operations, and recruitment. THE BRIEF Pete brings deep data expertise from his time at Stats Perform to oversee the network’s use of Statscore’s live data, setting the standard for how writers use it to produce original editorial content. He is also responsible for maintaining editorial standards and leading recruitment across the network.

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Everton's pursuit of Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston feels at somewhat of a crossroads.

It is a poorly kept secret that the Toffees are in desperate need of addressing the right-back position this summer.

Jake O'Brien was predominantly used there last season, while Merlin Rohl has been utilised there in pre-season.

Nathan Patterson is not fancied by David Moyes, while long-serving Seamus Coleman departed at the end of last season.

It has been abundantly clear for sometime that Everton need to address the problem, but they have met several dead ends this window.

Now, it looks as though the latest development involving Johnston has raised some eyebrows.

What's the latest with Everton and Alistair Johnston?

Everon have been heavily linked with a move for Celtic's Canada international Johnston this window.

Indeed, Moyes has even spoken to Bhoys boss Martin O'Neill personally about the possibility of taking him to Hill Dickinson Stadium.

However, reports this week suggested that Everton's interest has cooled, amid reports that Celtic want upwards of £15million to sell the 27-year-old.

Joe Thomas has now reported for the Liverpool Echo that insiders at Everton have met this news with "scepticism" given the need to fill a problem position and Moyes acknowledgment of the situation.

He added that it is an "intriguing" decision given the desperation Everton find themselves in to fill the right-back berth.

Whether Everton do decide to press ahead with a deal remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain, they absolutely must address it in the coming weeks.

A graphic of Alistair Johnston in a half-and-half Celtic and Everton kit with Hill Dickinson Stadium in the background
Where Everton will look next after Celtic stance cools Alistair Johnston pursuit

Who else could Everton sign at right-back this window?

If it is not going to be Johnston that's fine, but Everton simply must stop dragging their heels in the hunt for a right-back.

This issue pre-dates Moyes, and if he is not careful it is one that will continue to given him a major headache.

Other options have been mooted, with West Ham United's Aaron Wan-Bissaka having been mentioned.

Nahuel Molina of Atletico Madrid was reportedly a target, but the Argentina full-back looks certain to go to Roma.

Djed Spence's name cropped up earlier in the window too, but as yet there has been no movement on a move for the Tottenham man.

The clock is ticking, though, and Everton have to solve this issue sooner rather than later.

David Moyes
Celtic Football Club
Everton Football Club
Alistair Johnston
www.goodisonnews.com