Everton's Interest in Celtic’s Alistair Johnston Stalls

Everton’s move for Alistair Johnston has stalled, not because of a lack of admiration, but because of hard numbers on a balance sheet.

The Premier League club sounded out Celtic over a deal for the Canadian defender, with Martin O’Neill confirming that David Moyes personally picked up the phone to register his interest before a formal offer went in. The intention was clear: Johnston was a serious target.

The talks hit a wall just as quickly.

Celtic’s valuation, understood to be north of £15 million, set the tone. They were in no mood to sell on the cheap, especially with a Champions League play-off against LASK on the horizon and Johnston firmly embedded in their plans for that tie. The message from Glasgow was blunt: pay up properly, or wait.

Everton balked. The Daily Record now report that the Merseyside club have turned their attention elsewhere after failing to meet Celtic’s asking price. Strasbourg defender Guela Doue has emerged as an alternative as Everton attempt to reshape their back line without overextending in one deal.

Johnston’s stance adds another layer. Everton are thought to be fully aware that the right-back is keen on a move to the Premier League. The attraction is obvious: a new stage, a new challenge, and the financial uplift that comes with it. Yet his current manager insists there is no agitation behind the scenes.

“I've spoken to him on the back of the interest,” O’Neill said, outlining the calm around the player despite the noise. “Again, it was one of those where Alistair is perfectly happy here at the football club.”

Then came the reality check that underpins almost every modern transfer.

“But like anything else, your head can get turned very quickly, particularly if it's a really good club,” O’Neill admitted. “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. They have a key defender under contract, a Champions League gateway to navigate, and a valuation they have shown no willingness to soften. Everton, wrestling with their own financial constraints and squad needs, have decided not to push the issue at any price.

The interest has not vanished. It has simply met the cold edge of the market. If Johnston continues to impress on Europe’s stage and Celtic’s stance remains firm, the next club that calls may have to decide whether “big, big club” status comes with a matching cheque.