It's looking like a matter of time now before Alistair Johnston is announced as a Celtic player with new reports in the US hinting his unveiling is imminent.
The Canada right-back has been earning rave reviews for his country but Ange Postecoglou got in before his World Cup performances could attract the vultures. News that a fee had been agreed was broken while he was impressing against Croatia and Record Sport understands that is worth a fee in the region of £3million.
Johnston has all-but admitted a move is close with his Montreal teammate Victor Wanyama turning Celtic double agent to help make it happen. And media in his homeland are excited to see it as Postecoglou's globetrotters are about to get another stamp on their well-travelled passport. When these deals drag on, there can often be some anxiety, especially when there is plenty of interest from elsewhere - but Forbes reporter Manuel Veth says this one is "completely agreed" and "should be announced soon."
The same reporter claimed late on Tuesday night that his medical has already been completed and the deal will be "significant" for Montreal. It's likely the hold-up is just because Canada's World Cup campaign is still underway and they won't want any distractions until it's over. But they are officially out after losing to Croatia, with just a matter of pride to play for when Johnston and co. take on Morocco at 3pm UK time on Thursday.
While Yuki Kobayashi was able to be unveiled early since he is not in Japan's squad for Qatar, it is likely Johnston's announcement is being held off until he has no international commitments. The way the deal seems to be progressing, fans can expect him to be flying straight to Glasgow from Qatar to rubber-stamp the deal.
An announcement can therefore be expected on Thursday evening after Canada's World Cup is concluded. It's likely to be over the weekend at the latest if they want to get him snapped in green and white first.
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