Everton's Interest in Alistair Johnston Stalls as Celtic Holds Firm

Everton’s pursuit of Alistair Johnston has stalled, with the Premier League club now turning their attention elsewhere after failing to match Celtic’s asking price for the Canadian defender.

Manager Martin O'Neill had already confirmed that Everton’s interest was serious. David Moyes picked up the phone himself, sounding out Celtic ahead of a potential bid and testing the club’s resolve to keep one of their most reliable performers.

The answer from Glasgow was clear: pay up, or move on.

Celtic are believed to have valued Johnston at more than £15 million this summer and were in no rush to sell, particularly with a Champions League play-off against LASK on the horizon. The club wanted stability going into that tie, not late-window disruption around a first-choice defender.

Everton, according to The Daily Record, have now started to look at alternative options, with Strasbourg defender Guela Doue emerging as a possible target after negotiations over Johnston failed to progress.

The Merseyside club are understood to be fully aware that Johnston is open to a move to the Premier League. The attraction is obvious: a step into what many regard as the most intense league in the world, a bigger stage, a different kind of scrutiny. Yet Celtic’s stance has made any deal far from straightforward.

Manager's Insights

O'Neill, speaking about his conversations with the player amid the Everton links, offered a candid glimpse into the dynamic.

"I've spoken to him on the back of the interest," he said. "Again, it was one of those where Alistair is perfectly happy here at the football club.

"But like anything else, your head can get turned very quickly, particularly if it's a really good club.

"He wouldn't leave here for a second-class Premier League club, if there is such a thing, but if a big, big club comes in, it's something you would have to look at.

"And I think it's only natural as well. If I were a player, I'd be exactly the same."

Those words cut to the heart of the situation. Johnston is settled, valued and playing European football with Celtic, but the door to England is not locked, merely held on the latch. For now, Everton appear unwilling to push hard enough to force it open.

Celtic, meanwhile, hold the stronger hand: a key defender under contract, a Champions League play-off to navigate, and a valuation they see no reason to soften. If a Premier League club wants Alistair Johnston, it will have to prove it.