Everton are preparing to firm up their interest in Celtic's Alistair Johnston, according to reports in Scotland. The 27-year-old right-back is said to be the subject of a £3m deal.
Celtic have a reputation for developing talented players, and Johnston has been one of the team's standout performers in recent seasons. His versatility and skill on the right-hand side have caught the eye of several clubs, including Everton.
Meanwhile, Nathan Patterson's future at Everton remains uncertain, with the Scotland international drawing strong interest from clubs in Germany, Italy, and Spain. Patterson's departure could create a vacancy for Johnston to fill, and a deal for the Celtic player could be a shrewd move by the Toffees.
Everton's interest in Johnston comes as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season. The club has been linked with several other players, including Mika Baur, who is reportedly set to join Celtic from Paderborn. Baur's departure from Paderborn has been shrouded in mystery, with the German club initially claiming that the 22-year-old midfielder was ill before attending a friendly match against Southampton.
Marcelo Saracchi's move to Houston Dynamo is also a significant development in the transfer window. The 28-year-old left-back's loan from Boca Juniors to Celtic is set to end, and he will now join the Major League Soccer side.
In related news, Mitchel Bakker's move to Marseille is reportedly close to completion. The 26-year-old Atalanta wing-back has been linked with Celtic in the past, but it now seems that he will join the French club instead.
Everton's pursuit of Alistair Johnston will likely continue in the coming days. The club's manager will need to decide whether to pursue the Celtic player or look elsewhere for a right-back. The £3m fee for Johnston is reportedly a significant one, but the Toffees may feel that he is worth the investment.
Source: Yahoo Sports