How Everton have reacted as Alistair Johnston injury fears threaten transfer

Everton are not stepping away from their hunt of Celtic's Alistair Johnston.

The Canadian has recently picked up an injury, which is set to keep him out of Celtic's upcoming Champions League qualifiers.

There have been fears that Johnston's injury could result in a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

While the Blues could not originally agree a fee with Celtic, there was always a chance they could return later in the window.

But it now seems despite that update, there is still a chance for the 27-year-old to make the switch to Merseyside.

And Everton's reaction to Johnston's injury has emerged since.

Are Everton still pursuing Alistair Johnston following his injury?

Johnston's injury had every chance to threaten Everton's pursuit and that would have been the last thing they needed this summer.

It has been a slow and arduous trek when it comes to signing a new right-sided fullback with the Premier League season just a week from beginning.

Truthfully, it should have been a position sorted long before we got to this point and the wait could now be longer.

According to the print edition of the Daily Record on 14 August, Everton are still in the hunt for Johnston, despite hearing news of his injury.

No timeframe other than the North American missing Celtic's two Champions League qualifier legs has been given.

The second fixture of that two-legged tie is set to take place on 25 August, meaning a move for Johnston would have to come in the final week of the window.

The Blues are not without their alternatives, though. Everton are said to be leading the way for Hector Fort, with Barcelona open to selling the right-back.

So, if Johnston is the primary candidate, it could be a hectic final week of the window as the Toffees learn more about his latest injury.

Where else could Everton strengthen in the meantime?

As the wait for a right-back rumbles on, the Blues could do with more additions in attack.

Like Johnston, a move for Jack Grealish is said to become a possibility towards the end of the window.

The Blues have also been heavily linked with Turkish winger Baris Alper Yilmaz.

Yilmaz has been subject to an Everton bid, according to reports out of Turkiye.

So, while right-back is still being assessed, more forward-thinking wide options could be worked on amid the wait.