Everton have been linked with Celtic star Alistair Johnston as the club's search for a new right-back continues.
Right-back problems
The position has long been a problem for the Blues but the need for a specialist in the role is more pressing than ever. Nathan Patterson is expected to depart, leaving David Moyes without a senior recognised right-back after captain Seamus Coleman ended his playing career at the club.
Jake O’Brien has played at right-back for the past 18 months but in Saturday's pre-season opener at Dundee, he played in his natural centre-back role with midfielder Merlin Rohl to the right of the defence instead.
Other targets
Everton have or have had an interest in Atalanta's Italy international Raoul Bellanova, Strasbourg's Guela Doue, and Tottenham Hotspur's Djed Spence, who emerged as one of the heroes of England's run to the World Cup semi-finals and subsequent third-placed finish. Ben White of Arsenal and Aaron Wan-Bissaka of West Ham United are also said to have been on the club's radar.
A new report in The i Paper states that a move for Genoa's Brooke Norton-Cuffy, an England Under-21s international Everton have tracked, does not look likely.
Johnston interest
Against that backdrop, a new potential right-back has emerged. The ECHO's sister paper in Scotland, the Daily Record, reports that Blues boss Moyes is keen on Celtic's Alistair Johnston. The Canada international started all five matches for his country at the 2026 World Cup, signed for Celtic from CF Montréal in January 2023, and has made 122 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals.
A strong and versatile defender with the stamina and ability to support and overlap his winger, Johnston would tick a lot of boxes for Moyes. However, the report claims Celtic are determined to fend off any interest in Johnston, who is also wanted by Everton's Premier League rivals Fulham. While braced for bids, the Scottish Premiership champions would demand a big fee for the 27-year-old, who is under contract until 2029 after signing a new long-term deal in November 2024.
