According to reports in The Scottish Sun, Everton are lining up a January move for Celtic right-back Anthony Ralston, who is also a target for Premier League rivals West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Scottish Sun says that the 18-year-old caught the eye with his performance against Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar in the Champions League on Tuesday night, even though he was involved in a controversial incident with the former Barcelona man at the end of the match when the Brazilian refused to swap shirts with him.

The Scottish Sun says that Toffees scouts have been watching Ralston ever since he came through the youth system and broke into the Bhoys first team at the end of last season, and he has already made a handful of outings for the team this term, including his debut in the Champions League against PSG.

The report adds that West Ham and Tottenham are also keen on the right-back, who could be a wanted man during the January transfer window.

Why do Everton want him?

Soccer Football - Champions League - Celtic vs Paris St Germain - Celtic Park, Glasgow, Britain - September 12, 2017 Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar clashes with Celtic’s Anthony Ralston Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith

While the Toffees have Seamus Coleman to come back from injury following his double leg break while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland in March, Ronald Koeman may feel that he needs another option at right-back.

Summer signing Cuco Martina has struggled to make an impression in the early stages of the season and while Mason Holgate has played there, he prefers to operate at centre-back.

Ralston has certainly made a big impression in his five outings for Brendan Rodgers’ side this term, and he scored once and provided a further two assists from right-back in the 5-0 win against Kilmarnock in the Scottish League Cup last month.

With less than two years left on his Celtic contract, the highly-rated teenager could also be available for a good price if he doesn’t extend his stay with the Scottish Premiership leaders.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, the performances of Martina in recent times would certainly suggest that Everton need to start thinking about bringing in a new right-back not only for now, but also for the future, with Coleman also not guaranteed to be the same player he was before his injury.

Ralston looks to have a bright future in the game, and he could be the next talented youngster that the Toffees snap up.

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