Last night I brought you a transfer story that was just breaking that Celtic were interested in signing Canadian right back Alistair Johnston.
The Montreal MLS star has seemingly caught the attention of Ange Postecoglou and now, what seemed like, a slow-starting rumour is beginning to gather pace.
On Twitter this morning, Sacha Pisani tweeted an update that the Hoops are in advanced talks to sign the World Cup star:
Celtic are in advanced talks to sign Canada international Alistair Johnston per @ManuelVeth.
The €6m-valued right-back, who is at the #WorldCup, can also play center-back.pic.twitter.com/Gj5zP4aRgV
— Sacha Pisani (@Sachk0) November 24, 2022
Pisani is quoting North American journalist Manuel Veth who claims that ‘multiple sources’ have informed him of Celtic closing in on Johnston:
Multiple sources! Alistair Johnston is closing in on a move to Scottish giants #CelticFC. A deal is now advanced. The #CanMNT star also has a UK passport. He is under contract at #CFMTL until 2023 with 2 option years. He is currently starring at the World Cup. 🇨🇦⚽️ pic.twitter.com/nLtQTrxYbY
— Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) November 24, 2022
In a move that shows Ange Postecoglou is already pre-preparing for the possible loss of Josip Juranovic, the Celtic fans will be delighted that the gaffer is bang on it.
Whilst it will be disappointing to lose Juranovic, should a move ever materialise, Johnston’s performance against the Belgians in yesterdays 1-0 loss shows that he has the class to mix it with the big boys.
In a recent interview [The Sun] Johnston spoke of his ambition to play in the Champions League, “You see what these top guys are doing week in and week out in the Champions League — you see what De Bruyne or Modric does — and it’s honestly mindboggling how they manipulate the ball.
“As a defender, this is a great challenge and it’s something we cherish.”
No doubt, Celtic will be appealing to the Canadian right back and it seems that he could be Ange’s second winter signing.