How quickly news moves in this world.
Not long after reporting that MLS journalist Tom Bogert revealed the sell-on clause and how advanced the talks were between Celtic and Montreal, transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano has went one step further:
Celtic are in talks to sign Canada and Montreal defender Alistair Johnston on permanent deal. Negotiations are ongoing, as @ManuelVeth called. ⚪️🟢🇨🇦 #CelticFC
Personal terms already being discussed but now still waiting on full agreement between clubs. pic.twitter.com/nudMKLmWX7
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 25, 2022
Whilst many reports claimed that talks were ‘advanced’, not one of them mentioned that personal terms between the player and Celtic were being discussed.
Not to my knowledge anyway.
This 1 am update from Romano pretty much confirms Celtic interest as we all know that when he speaks about transfers, generally it is a solid lead.
Well, except for the Josip Juranovic one in the summer but by all accounts maybe Fab was ahead of his time as it now looks like the Croatian’s departure is being prepared for by Ange Postecoglou.
The capture of Johnston will be Ange’s second signing of the window and signals his intent that he is not willing to rest on his laurels.
Celtic sit tight at the top of the league with a nine-point advantage and with three games in two weeks after the winter break, Postecoglou is clearly looking ensure the squad is not weakened at any point should Juranovic decide to up sticks and leave Glasgow.