Everton will not revive their interest in Celtic defender Alistair Johnston in the January transfer window, according to former Toffees and Hoops star Alan Stubbs.
The Premier League club made a move for the 27-year-old right-back during the summer but were unable to strike a deal, with Celtic holding firm on their £15million-plus valuation.
Injury setback
Johnston then suffered another hamstring injury at Kilmarnock, which has kept him sidelined since August and effectively scuppered any prospect of a switch to the Premier League.
The influential defender is edging closer to a return, but Stubbs doubts David Moyes will go back in for the Canadian when the transfer window reopens.
Maitland-Niles arrival
Stubbs believes the arrival of Ainsley Maitland-Niles means Everton have already solved their right-back problem and insists it would take a change in circumstances for them to renew their interest in Johnston.
Stubbs, speaking on behalf of Dragon Bet, told Record Sport: “Do I think Everton will relaunch a bid for Johnston in January? No, no I don't.
“I think they've brought in Maitland-Niles. and even though it was last minute and it might not have been first choice, I think Everton have got the player there.
“I can probably virtually guarantee that it won't be in January. Whether that changes in the summer, that might be a different conversation.
“But I just don't see Everton going for a right-back in January. Unless something happens with Ainsley Maitland-Niles.”
Comeback close
Boss Martin O'Neill confirmed earlier this week that Johnston was edging closer to making his comeback.
He said: “I notice now that Alistair Johnston’s on the grass. He’s coming into Lennoxtown when they’re doing some build-up work. That’s encouraging.”
