Celtic plan to accept '£14m' Alistair Johnston offer as Everton and Fulham swoop

Celtic will sell Alistair Johnston for around £14million this summer as Everton and Fulham plot moves for his services, sources have told Football Insider.

Johnston is attracting interest from Premier League sides after recovering from a serious injury to impress at the World Cup for Canada.

The 27-year-old has been a key man for Celtic from right-back since joining the club in January 2023.

His game time was limited last season due to a recurring hamstring problem, but he is being backed to make the step up to the Premier League this summer.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, the Hoops will be forced to sell Johnston if an interested club offers a package worth around £14m.

Everton are lining up a bid for his services after talks with his agent, while Fulham have registered their interest in the right-back too.

Celtic willing to sell Alistair Johnston to a PL club for £14m

Johnston has registered seven goals and 23 assists in 122 appearances for Celtic over the last three-and-a-half years.

Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Fulham want to rival Everton for Johnston's services, with a bid expected from the Merseyside club soon.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "For Celtic, they don't really want to lose Johnston, but I think they're realistic that if a big money offer arrives for the right-back, they'll probably have to cash in on him as well.

"You're probably looking at Celtic wanting around £14million plus for him, with add-ons. Whether Everton are willing to do that, or Fulham, that remains to seen."

What has Martin O'Neill said about Everton's interest in Johnston?

David Moyes has identified Johnston as a priority target for the Toffees as he looks to add a new right-back to his ranks.

Scotland international Nathan Patterson is the only recognised right-back at the club as it stands, with Jake O'Brien and Merlin Rohl also able to fill in.

Patterson is reportedly attracting interest from clubs across Europe too, after struggling for game time last season.

Hoops boss O'Neill spoke openly about Everton's interest in the Canada star during a press conference on Friday, saying: "I think Everton have been in contact. I’m not sure if a bid has been put out.

"In fairness, David Moyes did call me last week to say there would be contact. I don’t know how far that has progressed.”