HE’s one player Brendan Rodgers will be doing all he can to keep in the summer.
But the Celtic manager could be forced to part ways as the lure of joining a club like Inter Milan may prove too much to turn down – if a recent report is to be believed.
He’s been one of Brendan Rodgers’ best players[/caption]
But Simone Inzaghi could swoop in[/caption]
He was previously interested in Matt O’Riley[/caption]
The Italian giants have been keeping a close eye on the Hoops over the last couple of years having previously declared interest in former player Matt O’Riley.
Inter lost out in the race for the Danish international’s signature along with their league rivals Atalanta as Brighton were the club to come out on top.
Inter, however, could end up signing one of his former team-mates from Glasgow instead.
It’s being claimed by Italian outlet Inter.Live that Alistair Johnston has emerged as a shock transfer target for the Serie A leaders.
The report suggests manager Simone Inzaghi is now on the hunt for a new right-back to compete with Dutch international Denzel Dumfries for the starting berth.
Dumfries, 28, has been a top performer for Inter in recent years and he was recently tied down on a new deal with his previous contract set to expire in the summer.
It’s said Inzaghi is confident he’ll still be an Inter player next season amid recent transfer interest but the gaffer is keen to bring in another.
Former Manchester United full-back Matteo Darmian has filled in for the Dutchman in his absence but he’s been deployed across the pitch by Inzaghi this season through his versatility.
Johnston is said to be one of the many players on the manager’s shortlist ahead of the summer.
And it’s suggested Inter are already “working on” a move for Johnston and alternative targets.
The 26-year-old Canadian’s stock has risen dramatically since joining Celtic for a fee in the region of £3.5million in January 2023.
He caught the eyes of the Hoops with his displays for his country at the 2022 World Cup.
Since then the defender has been one of Celtic‘s best players with heroic displays in derby clashes against Rangers and in Europe.
He also made history with Canada at the Copa America last year as he helped his country finish fourth in their debut year in the competition after qualifying for the first time via the play-offs in March.
Johnston was the only Canadian and only non-South American star to be included in the Team of the Tournament.
He was named the best right-back of the competition and joined the likes of Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martinez, James Rodriguez and Raphina in the XI.
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