CELTIC will have to shell out £3.5million for a player who cost £800,000 only 11 months ago.
Ange Postecoglou has been linked with a move for Canada’s World Cup right-back Alistair Johnston, as CQN reported earlier today.
The tenacious 24-year-old defender was one of his country’s star performers as they came so close to shocking Belgium in their opening encounter in the soccer showpiece in Qatar last night.
The Canadians, with TWENTY-TWO shots at goal, were most unfortunate to lose when Michy Batshuayi claimed the only goal of the game after Alphonso Davies had seen a penalty-kick saved by Thibaut Courtois, the same keeper who defied Josip Juranovic in the Bernabeu earlier this month.
CRUNCH…Canadian defender Alistair Johnston fires into a tackle on Belgium substitute Lois Openda and earns a booking for his efforts.Johnston joined MLS outfit CF Montreal for £800,000 in December last year and has seen his value soar with his displays for club and country.
The energetic, attack-minded back-four operator agreed a two-year deal with an option for two more during the summer while previous club Nashville are guaranteed 10 per cent of the profits of any sale above the initial transfer fee.
Johnston’s value is now pegged around the £3.5million mark with his club ready to cash in on the player who took the eye against Roberto Martinez’s Belgian all-stars.
A BIG HAND…Josip Juranovic and his Croatia team-mates applaud the fans after the goalless draw with Morocco.The Hoops paid £2.5million for Juranovic to sign him from Legia Warsaw in August last year and the 27-year-old accomplished performer was also involved in World Cup action yesterday with Croatia drawing 0-0 with Morocco.
Juranovic, who has been linked with Chelsea, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid in recent months, looks to be heading for the Parkhead exit.
The champions will realise a hefty profit on their original outlay and a valuation of £15million for the player has already been mooted.
That will free up cash to swoop for Johnston.
Watch this space!
