CELTIC EYE WORLD CUP DEFENDER

CELTIC have been linked with Canada World Cup defender Alistair Johnston.

The 24-year-old right-sided back-four operator, who played in his nation’s 1-0 loss to Belgium last night, is on Ange Postecoglou’s radar, according to a report in the Scottish Sun.

Johnston cost £800,000 when he joined MLS outfit CF Montreal for £800,000 in December last year.

The player, who was booked for a wayward challenge late in the clash in Qatar, signed a two-year deal last summer, with the option for two more, with previous club Nashville guaranteed 10 per cent of the proceeds of any sale above the initial transfer fee.

WORLD CUP STAR…Canada defender Alistair Johnston who is a reported Celtic target.

The Vancouver-born star played in all 14 of Canada’s matches in the final round of Concacaf’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

Johnston, who displayed his tenacious and his attacking qualities against Roberto Martinez’s side, could be seen as an ideal replacement for Josip Juranovic if the Croatian star quits the champions in January.

The 27-year-old defender cost £2.5million when he arrived from Legia Warsaw in July last year, but has stalled on signing an extension and he could be on his way.

The departure of Juranovic would leave Postecoglou with just Anthony Ralston as a recognised right-back.

The Hoops boss has already kick-started his strengthening of the squad with the five-year deal for Vissel Kobe centre-back Yuki Kobayashi, as CQN reported.