O'Neill confirms Everton contact for Johnston as Celtic face fight to keep right-back

Martin O'Neill has confirmed that Everton have been in touch over a move for Alistair Johnston, with the Celtic boss admitting the Canada international's departure would be a significant blow. The Celtic manager said on Friday that the Premier League club have made contact regarding the 27-year-old, though he is not sure whether a formal bid has been submitted. O'Neill also revealed that Everton boss David Moyes had called him last week to let him know the contact was coming. "I think Everton have been in contact and I'm not sure whether there's been a bid in there on that one, but they've been in contact," O'Neill told reporters. "In fairness, David did call me last week saying there would be contact." Johnston has been a key figure for Celtic since joining from CF Montreal in January 2023 on a five-year contract. He has made 122 appearances in all competitions for the Bhoys, scoring seven goals and winning nine major trophies. The defender also played all five of Canada's matches at this summer's World Cup in North America. Jesse Marsch's side finished second in Group B, beat South Africa in the round of 32, then lost 3-0 to Morocco in the round of 16. Johnston has 63 caps and one goal for Canada. Everton's interest comes as they look to solve a long-standing problem at right-back. Seamus Coleman left the club in June after 17 years, having made 435 appearances and scored 28 goals, while centre-back Jake O'Brien has been filling in on the right for the past two seasons. The Toffees have already signed Hayden Hackney and Tyrique George, with Merlin Rohl's loan made permanent. Celtic, meanwhile, have brought in strikers Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran ahead of O'Neill's first full season in charge since 2004-05. The 74-year-old was appointed permanent manager in June after two interim spells last season, having led Celtic to the Scottish Premiership title with a final-day victory over Hearts in 2025-26.