Why Chris Sutton is baffled by Alistair Johnston's potential move from Celtic to Everton after 'crazy' claim
Chris Sutton has been left baffled by Everton's pursuit of Celtic defender Alistair Johnston.
The Blues are chasing the right-back to bolster a problem position for David Moyes.
The Scotsman was forced to play centre-back Jake O'Brien in a makeshift role last season, as he could not trust Nathan Patterson or Seamus Coleman.
The Toffees have reportedly bid around the £15million mark for the Canadian star, who played five times at the World Cup.
The Hoops are understood to be reluctant to lose the 27-year-old, but interest from the Premier League could prove too much.
Sutton can understand the appeal of the top-flight, but he can't understand the potential fee that has been mooted.
What did Chris Sutton say about Alistair Johnston's proposed move to Everton?
The player is understood to be keen on a move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but Martin O'Neill's side are looking for more than the amount that Moyes' side are willing to pay.
Sutton revealed that he does not get the idea that his former side would sell for such a low figure.
Kris Boyd raised the question about the interest on the the Warm Up podcast on Monday, saying: ”It’s been Everton [being linked], to go to the English Premier League will be a big draw for him, it terms of the money Celtic would demand, you said it would take crazy money, what is that crazy money?”
Sutton responded, saying: “What did [Kieran] Tierney go to Arsenal for? £25million, I think Celtic should certainly hold out for something like that.
“I am seeing the figure £14m, I don’t get that.”
Why Johnston's Celtic commitments could be an issue for Everton
Johnston's potential transfer to Merseyside could heat up after the Glasgow club's Champions League playoff is concluded.
They will want him still in their ranks for the games with Austrian side LASK, so they have the best chance of going through.
They are set to be played on 19 August and 25 August, which could prove to be an issue for the L3 outfit.
They open their Premier League campaign at home to Crystal Palace on 22 August, and will want his signature wrapped up before then, so he can get used to his new teammates.
If a deal can't be achieved before that date, then he would have to take time to adapt and learn Moyes' tactics.
It may be worth just paying the £25m that Sutton suggested, if that is what it takes to get a deal over the line before the start of the season.
It would be better to have him through the doors before they welcome the Eagles than to wait until after that, in the hopes of striking a cheaper deal.