Everton linked with move for Celtic and World Cup star as search goes on

The position has long been a problem one for the Blues but the need for a specialist in the role is more pressing than ever.

Nathan Patterson is expected to depart and if he does, that will leave David Moyes without a senior, recognised right-back after captain Seamus Coleman called time on his playing career at the club.

Jake O’Brien has occupied the position for the past 18 months but in Saturday's pre-season opener at Dundee, he played in his natural role at centre-back with midfielder Merlin Rohl to the right of the defence instead.

Supporters are desperately hoping an out-an-out right-back is brought in before Everton's Premier League campaign gets under way at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday, August 22.

The Blues have or have had an interest in Atalanta's Italy international Raoul Bellanova, Strasbourg's Guela Doue, and Tottenham Hotspur's Djed Spence, who emerged as one of the heroes of England's run to the semi-finals of the World Cup and subsequent third-placed finish.

Ben White of Arsenal and Aaron Wan-Bissaka of West Ham United are also said to have been on the club's radar while a new report in The i Paper states that a move for Brooke Norton-Cuffy, of Genoa, does not look likely. The England Under-21s international is a player Everton have tracked.

And it's against that backdrop that a new potential right-back has emerged.

The ECHO's sister paper in Scotland, the Daily Record, report that Blues boss Moyes is keen on Celtic's Alistair Johnston.

The Canada international, who started all five matches for his country at the 2026 World Cup, signed for the Glasgow giants from CF Montréal in January 2023 and has gone to make 122 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals.

A strong and versatile defender with the stamina and ability to support and overlap his winger, Johnston would tick a lot of boxes for Moyes.

But the report claims that Celtic are determined to fend off any interest in Johnston, who is also wanted by Everton's Premier League rivals Fulham.

While braced for bids, the Scottish Premiership champions will would demand big fee for the 27-year-old, who is under contract until 2029 having signed a new long-term deal in November 2024.

The Blues, who head to Bolton Wanderers on Saturday (3pm kick-off), have made three signings so far this summer.

They made the loans of Merlin Rohl and Tyrique George permanent and also completed the capture of Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney.