Celtic will accept '£15m' Alistair Johnston offer amid Everton update

Celtic will accept £15m for Johnston, but Everton may walk away in January due to the defender's recurring hamstring injuries.

Everton could abandon their long-standing interest in Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston ahead of the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider. The 28-year-old Canada international was a leading target for David Moyes' side during the summer, but the Toffees eventually signed Ainsley Maitland-Niles instead.

Celtic remain open to selling Johnston for £15 million, down from their initial asking price that proved prohibitive for Everton in the summer. However, Johnston's fitness issues have become a major concern. He has made just three appearances for Celtic this season due to multiple hamstring injuries, continuing a pattern that saw him make only 11 appearances last season.

Everton are now prepared to look elsewhere rather than revisit the deal, with Johnston's injury record raising question marks over his availability. While Johnston is considered a quality player when fit, his recurring hamstring problems make him a risky investment in January, and few clubs are likely to spend £15 million on a player with such limited game time.