Everton are still pushing to sign Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston, but the deal is stuck on the transfer fee, with Celtic demanding £15million. According to TeamTalk, Everton are "pressing ahead with negotiations" for Johnston, but there is "still significant work to do before any transfer can be considered done". Celtic's position is simple: they want a package in the region of £15million all-in, and they are not moving off that lightly. Everton, at this stage, "are yet to show a willingness to match that figure", which explains why discussions remain in a "holding pattern". This is the reality of Everton's transfer market under manager David Moyes. Targets are identified, the profile is clear, the need is obvious, but every negotiation has to be measured. Johnston fits because Everton need a right-back and because Moyes reportedly sees him as a player of "energy, aggression and intensity". That reads like a Moyes full-back, functional, committed, physically reliable, no frills required. ## What happened? There is no mystery around the squad planning here. TeamTalk state that "a new right-back is one of Everton's priorities" and that they have "settled on Johnston as their leading target". When a club gets to that stage, alternatives exist more as leverage than conviction. Yes, Ridle Baku is mentioned as another option. Yes, Everton "also have alternatives should a deal not go through". But the same report adds Johnston is "the far more likely addition at this stage". In other words, this is the one they want to make happen. ## Why it matters for Everton The encouraging part for Everton is that the player side appears uncomplicated. TeamTalk report that Johnston is "fully supportive of the switch" and "ready to finalise terms with Everton once the clubs reach agreement". Personal terms are not expected to be an issue. That usually matters. If a player is pushing, things can accelerate quickly once the bid reaches the right level. For now, though, "the focus remains on bridging the valuation gap". Until Everton decide to edge closer to Celtic's demands, or Celtic soften, this one remains alive but unresolved. ## What comes next? That is where it stands. Everton want their man, Celtic want their price, and Moyes waits. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 13th in Premier League, 49 pts, 13W-10D-15L from 38 games, recent form LLDDL. Goals this season: 47 scored, 50 conceded (-3 goal difference). Title race: 36 points behind leaders Arsenal. Last result: Tottenham 1-0 Everton (2026-05-24). Recent form (last 5): 0W-1D-4L (LLLLD, most recent first); lost the last 4. Next fixture: vs Ipswich (at home, 2026-09-19).