Alistair Johnston has reportedly told Celtic he wants to leave to join Everton. Record Sport revealed that the Hoops are expecting a bid for the Canada full-back, with Martin O'Neill admitting he can't stand in the player's way if a big money offer comes in.
Celtic in no rush to sell
But O'Neill has made it clear that Celtic are in no rush to sell Johnston, with the Champions League playoff just around the corner. The Premier League side have yet to meet the valuation of the Scottish champions, but the Liverpool Echo now report that the 27-year-old has told Celtic chiefs that he is keen to make the switch to the Hill Dickinson Stadium. It is claimed that Everton chiefs continue to try and work on a deal.
Sutton urges Celtic to hold out
Amid the transfer murmurs, Hoops legend and Record Sport columnist Chris Sutton has urged his former club to hold out for a bumper payday - with reports suggesting The Toffees are pushing for a £14million agreement. The former Parkhead frontman told The Warm Up: "My biggest worry for Celtic right now, hand on heart, is the Alistair Johnston situation. What did [Kieran] Tierney go to Arsenal for? £25million? I think Celtic should certainly hold out for something that. I am seeing the figure £14million, I don't think get that."
Nygren recommended to Everton
Former Sweden international has also recommended his former club Everton make a second approach to Celtic for midfielder Benjamin Nygren. He told the Echo: "I like Benjamin Nygren a lot. He only played a couple of games for Sweden at the World Cup, but he would be a very good player in a Premier League side after what he's shown at Celtic, he can make that step now. The Scottish league is very tough and he has proven he can handle it. It's probably even tougher than the Premier League when it comes to the tackles. It would be good for Sweden too if somebody had a go at signing him this summer. Maybe Aston Villa or Newcastle United? I think if Jack Grealish doesn't come back to Everton, Benjamin would be a good replacement for him as well. He can score goals and create goals too, I think he would score 15 goals in the Premier League playing for a club like Everton."
