Everton Abandons Alistair Johnston Pursuit as Celtic Stands Firm

Everton’s move for Celtic defender Alistair Johnston has stalled, with the Premier League club now turning their attention elsewhere after failing to match the Scottish champions’ valuation.

Martin O’Neill revealed earlier this summer that David Moyes had personally phoned him to confirm Everton’s interest in the Canadian international, a call that underlined how serious the approach initially looked. An offer was expected to follow. The talks never caught fire.

Celtic, according to reports, wanted in excess of £15 million for Johnston and were in no rush to sell. The club were keen to keep the right-back at least until after their Champions League play-off against LASK, a tie that carries both sporting and financial weight. Everton, working within tighter limits, did not go that high.

The Daily Record now reports that Everton have begun to explore other options, with Strasbourg defender Guela Doue emerging as a potential alternative. The shift signals a recognition that a breakthrough with Celtic is unlikely on current terms.

Everton are understood to know that Johnston is open to a Premier League move. The lure of England’s top flight is obvious, and O’Neill has already spoken to the player about the possibility of a switch.

“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.”

For now, Celtic hold the stronger hand: a key defender under contract, a Champions League campaign on the line, and a price they are prepared to stand by. Everton, meanwhile, move on to Doue and the next name on their list, knowing that if they want Johnston back in the conversation, the number will have to change.