Chris Sutton has warned that the possibility of Alistair Johnston leaving Celtic this summer is his greatest concern as speculation over the defender’s future continues.
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Everton remain interested in the Canada international after his impressive World Cup campaign, with Martin O’Neill recently confirming the Premier League side have opened discussions over a potential transfer.
The Celtic manager revealed David Moyes had personally informed him that contact would be made regarding the right-back.
Sutton believes Celtic cannot afford to weaken the squad ahead of the Champions League play-off and argued Johnston should only leave for a record-breaking fee, while also questioning the decision to part ways with Daizen Maeda before such an important European tie.
Speaking on The Warm-Up, Sutton said: “My biggest worry for Celtic right now, hand on heart, is the Alistair Johnston situation.
“What did Tierney go to Arsenal for, £25m? I think Celtic should certainly hold out for something like that.
“I’ve seen the figure of £14m, I don’t get that. I don’t get why Celtic sold Daizen Maeda for £10m with the Champions League qualifier round the corner.”
He added: “When you look at the riches the Champions League could reward Celtic with if they get through. If they don’t get through, the £10m they get for Daizen Maeda…he could have been the difference in that game.
“The frustration is the fact that the club never really seem to learn lessons from the past of what has happened, where their nose was bloodied.
“Last season was a great example: the Nicolas Kuhn thing. I hate this when clubs turn round, and they say, ‘Well, the player wanted to go’.
“Well, players sign contracts for a reason.”
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