How much Everton now need to bid for Alistair Johnston to make Celtic blink
Everton are preparing an offer for Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston this transfer window.
The Toffees have identified the Canada international as a target to bolster their backline.
Having spent three years in Glasgow, he's now attracting interest from the Blues.
David Moyes wants Johnston at Hill Dickinson Stadium ahead of next season after his impressive spell at Celtic.
The defender was injured for most of last season but returned for the post-split fixtures in the William Hill Premiership and helped the Hoops beat Hearts to the title.
At Parkhead, the Canadian star is rated very highly and the Merseyside outfit may need to make a significant financial commitment to sign him.
How Celtic feel about Alistair Johnston sale amid Everton interest
Goodison News have covered reports of Everton's willingness to pay £15million for Johnston.
Daily Record reporter Michael Gannon has now revealed that the Toffees are stepping up their pursuit of the right back and are preparing an actual bid.
At the moment, the Blues don't agree with the Hoops' valuation for the Canada international, as the Parkhead hierarchy could potentially only consider an offer close to £25m.
Speaking on Hotline Live on 30 July, Gannon said, "We've heard about Everton keeping an eye on him for a few weeks. From what I gather, that's now stepping up to preparing an actual bid for Johnston. He's very high on the top of the wishlist for Moyes.
"The money required to make Celtic blink: I think you're looking north of £20m, maybe even towards £25m. I don't think, from what I'm being told, Everton value him that highly. Maybe £10m to £15m. I don't think £15m will make Celtic blink."
How Alistair Johnston feels about Celtic exit
Johnston has developed into one of the best defenders in Scottish football over the years and he's now in the prime age of his career at 27.
Gannon has been told that Celtic have no intention of selling the defender, who still has a few years left on his contract at Parkhead.
The Scottish journalist added, "From what I'm being told, they neither want nor need to sell him. He's under contract till 2029. Obviously a major player at Celtic. He's a guy being tipped as a future captain.
"The player himself, from what I can gather, is settled in Scotland; he's quite happy. But the prospect of trebling your wages and going into the Premier League is the dream for most of these guys.
If the Toffees are granted permission to speak with Johnston, they must present him with a financial package he can't refuse.
The Canadian ace may then push Celtic to come to an agreement with the Blues for his exit on a lower transfer fee.
With the Premier League evidently being a big draw for players up north, the Merseyside outfit should use that to their advantage.
Johnston will surely be guaranteed a starting spot at Hill Dickinson Stadium as Moyes looks for a new right-back.