Why Everton may have to wait until late in window to sign 'irreplaceable' Alistair Johnston
Everton could potentially have to bide their time to sign Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston.
The Canada international is a concrete target for the Toffees to reinforce their defence ahead of next season.
David Moyes has had to rely on Jake O'Brien out of position but could finally have a quality right-back at his disposal before the end of the transfer window.
Johnston is of interest at Hill Dickinson Stadium, but Celtic may want to hold off on any move for now.
With deadline day on 1 September, the Blues have one month to build a competitive squad in L3.
If the 27-year-old Hoops star truly is their first-choice option, they could possibly have to focus on other deals before revisiting a move later on.
What Celtic must consider amid Everton interest in Alistair Johnston
Goodison News have covered claims of Moyes making contact with Celtic to sign Johnston, but the Toffees are yet to table a bid.
The right-back was out for most of last season, but returned just before the post-split fixtures and pushed the Hoops towards the league title.
As a result, the Glaswegian outfit have a chance to qualify for the Champions League's league phase.
Celtic will first have to get past the play-off round to qualify for the next stage of the European competition, with the two legs taking place towards the end of August.
Chris Sutton has urged the Parkhead hierarchy to wait until the Champions League matches before considering any offers for the "irreplaceable" right-back.
Writing in the Daily Record on 1 August, the former Celtic forward said, "The Premier League doesn't kick off until 22 August, which is after the play-off first leg. Celtic shouldn’t be answering the phone until after then, because how the heck would you replace someone like Johnston for the biggest game of the season?"
What David Moyes should focus on until then
Everton are still hoping to get Jack Grealish back at the club from Manchester City this summer.
The England international was a key player in the Toffees' success last season and his injury eventually derailed Moyes' hopes of qualifying for Europe.
Apart from the defensive reinforcements and the return of Grealish, the Blues may need a sharpshooter to climb up the table in the Premier League.
Beto and Thierno Barry's inconsistency frustrated the Hill Dickinson Stadium fanbase in the previous campaign and that can't be allowed to continue next season.