Keith Wyness drops verdict on Alistair Johnston joining Everton after what he saw on Monday night

Everton have a move for Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston in the palm of their hand if they want to make it happen.

That is according to former Toffees chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that many supporters will view it as an "underwhelming" addition.

The Merseysiders have already made contact with the Bhoys over a deal, with the selling club currently holding out for a fee of £14million.

Fulham are also big admirers of the 27-year-old, but Wyness is adamant that Everton are in the driving seat, with the player also keen to make the move happen.

The Toffees had scouts present at Celtic Park to watch Johnston on Monday night, when the defender played all 90 minutes of their 1-0 win over Dundee.

That was the opening game of Celtic's Scottish Premiership season, but Johnston appears increasingly likely to be nearing his final game in their colours.

David Moyes playing crucial role in Alistair Johnston deal

Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that David Moyes is the driving force behind the move for Johnston at the moment.

The Scottish boss has been working hard to resolve his team's right-back issues for several months, and is now closing in on his target.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained why he has a degree of concern over the move.

"I think it (the deal) is Everton's if they want it, but I've got to say, he's not the quality of right back that many fans were hoping for," he said.

"Celtic played on Monday, and he didn't exactly cover himself in glory. There's something there, but I think it's underwhelming in terms of the right-backs that Everton have been looking at.

"Moyes would have been a big factor in that in terms of him coming down. He (Johnston) is going to have to work pretty hard to get the fans onside, but no doubt there is talent there. 

"He had a lot of injuries last season and that would be really disappointing if he comes in and then we suddenly get some issues. But, I think it'll get done at £14m, so we'll see where it goes."

Celtic will accept £14m offer for Johnston

Football Insider revealed last weekend that Celtic will sell Johnston if their £14m valuation is met this summer.

Martin O'Neill and Co. are reluctant to lose the Canadian international, but will not stand in the way of his move if their valuation is met.

They are also hoping to potentially agree a series of add-on clauses on top of their initial fee.

With Everton and Johnston both keen to make the move happen, the price tag is seemingly the only potential hold-up to the deal.