Everton and David Moyes have been handed a major transfer boost, with one target now preferring a move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium over fellow Premier League side Fulham.
The Toffees have been productive during the transfer window as they look to push on under Moyes in the 2026/27 season.
Midfielder Hayden Hackney has arrived from Middlesbrough, whereas Merlin Rohl and Tyrique George have signed on permanent transfers following their respective loans from Freiburg and Chelsea last season.
The next new face to arrive looks set to be Arsenal midfielder Christian Norgaard, with the two clubs reaching an agreement in principle for the Dane.
With midfield set to be strengthened even further, attention could then shift towards the right side of defence following Seamus Coleman’s exit over the summer.
Celtic full-back Alistair Johnston has emerged as a leading target for Everton, with the Scotland champions understood to value the Canada international at around £14m amid growing Premier League interest.
Fulham have also been tracking the 27-year-old, setting up a battle for his signature. However, the latest update has handed Moyes a major lift.
Alistair Johnston keen on Everton transfer
According to Football Insider, Johnston has now made up his mind and is keen on a move to Everton ahead of Fulham, should he leave Celtic Park this summer.
The defender appears to be attracted by the opportunity to become a key player at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with the Toffees now viewed as the frontrunners for his services.
The Canadian enjoyed what Hoops manager Martin O’Neill called an “excellent World Cup”, starting every game for his country, demonstrating consistency, energy and defensive reliability.
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Alistair Johnston’s World Cup by numbers |
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|---|---|---|
|
Appearances |
4 |
Started every match as Canada reached the Round of 16, underlining his importance to Jesse Marsch’s side. |
|
Minutes played |
360 |
Completed the full 90 minutes in all four games, showing his durability and consistency. |
|
Average player rating |
7.1/10 |
Produced solid displays throughout the tournament. |
|
Fouls committed |
5 |
Averaged just over one foul per game, showing his disciplined defending on the whole. |
|
Yellow cards |
1 |
Avoided any suspensions during Canada’s run. |
|
Clean-sheet contribution |
2 |
Helped Canada keep clean sheets against Qatar and South Africa. |
|
Overall impact |
First-choice right-back |
Johnston’s consistency, leadership and defensive reliability led many to feel he was one of Canada’s better performers at the tournament. |
A move would also make perfect sense from Everton’s perspective. With club legend Coleman no longer around, Johnston would offer a ready-made long-term successor, bringing athleticism, relentless work rate and the attacking quality required from a modern full-back.
His experience of European football with Celtic and his performances on the international stage suggest he is ready for the step-up to the Premier League.
With Norgaard expected to become Everton’s next signing, Johnston could soon follow suit, making this one to keep an eye on, especially after this exciting update.
