Everton Halts Alistair Johnston Pursuit as Celtic Stands Firm

Everton’s move for Alistair Johnston has stalled, not because of a lack of interest, but because of hard numbers and harder resolve in Glasgow.

Martin O’Neill revealed earlier this summer that David Moyes had personally picked up the phone to register Everton’s intent, a direct call that underlined how seriously the Premier League club viewed the Canadian international. An offer was expected. The framework of a deal seemed within reach.

Then came the price.

Celtic, according to reports, set their valuation at north of £15 million and made it clear they were in no rush to cash in. The Scottish champions wanted Johnston in place at least until after their Champions League play-off against LASK, a pivotal tie in their season and a stage on which the full-back has become increasingly important.

Everton, The Daily Record now reports, have stepped back. The Merseyside club is understood to be exploring other options after failing to meet Celtic’s asking price, with Strasbourg defender Guela Doue emerging as a live alternative. The interest in Johnston has not vanished, but the momentum has gone from the chase.

Celtic’s stance is helped by the player’s situation. Johnston is settled. O’Neill, speaking about the conversations he has had with the defender amid the noise from England, painted the picture of a professional content where he is, but not immune to the lure of something bigger.

“I've spoken to him on the back of the interest,” O’Neill 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 ambitious. Everton know he would welcome a step into the Premier League. Yet Celtic hold the contract, the Champions League carrot, and a valuation they believe reflects his importance.

For now, that combination has been enough to send Everton scanning the market elsewhere. Whether that remains the case once the Champions League play-off is out of the way, and the window ticks towards its final days, is where this story may yet come back to life.