Everton Halts Alistair Johnston Pursuit as Celtic Stands Firm

Everton’s move for Alistair Johnston has stalled, with the Premier League club stepping back after failing to match Celtic’s valuation of the Canadian defender.

Martin O’Neill revealed earlier this summer that David Moyes had personally called to register Everton’s interest, a conversation that underlined how serious the approach had become. An offer was expected. The deal never caught fire.

Celtic set their price. Everton walked away.

Reports now indicate Celtic wanted in excess of £15 million for Johnston and were in no rush to sell, especially with the Champions League play-off against LASK looming large. The message from Glasgow was clear: any departure would be on their terms, and not before a pivotal European tie.

Everton, aware that Johnston is open to a Premier League move, have not waited around. With talks failing to progress, they are now weighing up alternative targets, with Strasbourg defender Guela Doue emerging as a live option as recruitment plans shift.

O’Neill, speaking about his conversations with Johnston amid the Merseyside interest, painted the picture of a player content at Celtic but not immune to the pull of England’s top flight.

“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 keep a key defender for a crucial European push, their valuation intact and their stance vindicated. Everton move on to Doue and other names on the list, still searching for the right deal, the right price, and the right fit in a market that rarely waits for anyone.