David Moyes 'speaking to his contacts' as Everton accelerate Alistair Johnston plan

David Moyes is speaking to his contacts in Scotland as Everton work on a deal for Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston this summer.

The 27-year-old is high on the list of targets for the Toffees, who are determined to bring in a new right-back given their lack of quality and depth in the position.

His performances for Celtic and for Canada at the World Cup have placed him firmly on Everton's radar, and they are now prepared to lure him away from Parkhead.

Former West Ham scout Mick Brown, who worked closely alongside Moyes, told Football Insider that the boss has close contacts in Scotland who he could use to help land Johnston.

Everton believe there is a deal to be done for the right-back, and are now preparing to test Celtic's resolve despite the Scottish champions' reluctance to sell.

Martin O'Neill is not keen to lose any of his best players this summer, but amid growing interest from Everton, it may prove difficult to keep hold of Johnston.

Could Everton make a move for Alistair Johnston?

Football Insider exclusively revealed mid-way through last season that Everton have set their sights on the addition of a new right-back as a priority ahead of the summer.

A number of potential targets have been considered behind the scenes at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Johnston now emerging as a leading contender for the position.

As Everton prepare to ramp up their efforts, Moyes is believed to be utilising his contacts north of the border to get the wheels in motion for the move.

"Moyesey has a lot of close connections in Scottish football," Brown told Football Insider.

"I have no doubt he will be speaking to his connections to establish what it might take for Everton to sign Johnston, what he might be asking for and what Celtic's demands are.

"It won't be an easy to do because Celtic aren't going to want to see their squad weakened, they want to keep their best players.

"But we all know Everton are looking to sign a right-back, and Johnston is very much on their radar, so it looks like they might be prepared to test Celtic's resolve.

"He's somebody who they are well aware of, they'll have done their due diligence, so they'll know the pros and cons and what he might bring to the team.

"He's been an important player for Celtic and was at the World Cup with Canada as well, so from Everton's point of view, it looks like he could be a good addition."

How have Everton fans responded to the Johnston links?

Everton's efforts to strengthen their squad this summer are being closely scrutinised by their fans, who are expecting the club to push on from a solid season last time out.

The club's pursuit of Johnston has led to plenty of debate on social media, with fans discussing whether or not he would be a good option to strengthen at right-back.

Football Insider shared on 29 July that Everton fans have not been impressed by the news of their pursuit of Johnston, with new concerns now being raised.

The 27-year-old spent most of the 2025-26 campaign out injured, but managed to make a comeback towards the end of the season as Celtic won a domestic double.

However, those injury problems have been flagged as a major concern for the Toffees, who were forced to deal with fitness issues of their own last season.