Reverse psychology at play over Alistair Johnston speculation?

Everton’s reported interest in Alistair Johnston may not be all that meets the eye.

Like politics football is a murky business. Where messaging and deflecting are always at play to cover what is really going on.

Celtic are no strangers to messaging.

They have a number of outlets to push their agenda with no fingerprints back to the source.

At 8.30pm on Wednesday two respected sources of Celtic news revealed that Everton are showing interest in Alistair Johnston.

A bid is expected to be made, if it is at £10m Celtic will reject it.

But that kicks off the cycle of speculation. Getting the message out, raising awareness.

We’ve all seen it many times.

Players and clubs have ways of getting things done to suit their needs.

JOHNSTON OR ENGELS- WHO WILL BOOST THE BANK BALANCE?

Perhaps Johnston is likely to remain as a Celtic player- while the club works hard on the sale of a different player?

Say Arne Engels?

Earn Brownie Points for keeping Johnston while preparing to bank £25m or so by selling Engels?

Celtic could be viewed in public as battling to hold on to Johnston- while the bank account welcomes a near record sale from shifting Engels on.

All the while Martin O’Neill has a Champions League Play Off to get a side and squad ready for.

Celtic have gained two quality strikers but uncertainty lies all over the remainder of the squad.

Do Celtic go into those matches with players that are expecting/hoping to be on the move.

Or do they sell them, parachute new signings in and hope that the team is strong enough to get through.

All of those issues and moving parts will unfold throughout August.

While the headlines are on one issue, it would be wise to keep an eye on events elsewhere to get the bigger picture.