Aiden McGeady is eager to leave Celtic, says Neil Lennon as Birmingham, Aston Villa and Spurs circle

15 July 2010 00:50
Celtic manager Neil Lennon has admitted for the first time that Aiden McGeady wants to quit the club. [LNB]The Parkhead winger recently changed agent in a quest to win a move south to the Premier League.[LNB]And Lennon, who was last night stepping up his bid for Nottingham Forest defender Kelvin Wilson, believes Celtic are facing a losing battle to hold on to the £10million-rated player. [LNB]Wantaway: McGeady[LNB]As Sportsmail revealed, Spartak Moscow want the Republic of Ireland international. [LNB]However, coach Valeri Karpin has all but admitted defeat in hisquest to sign the 24-year-old, despite leaving a bid in excess of £9mon the table. [LNB]Birmingham, Aston Villa and Spurs will now squabble for McGeady's signature. [LNB]Lennonadmitted: 'Aiden hasn't said to me he wants to leave in so many words.But, I mean, the initial vibe came from his side of things.' [LNB]McGeady failed to jet off on Celtic's North American tour, which began with a match against Philadelphia Union early this morning. [LNB]The influential midfielder has stated his desire to play in England and that remains his most likely destination, should any club prove willing to meet Celtic's valuation.[LNB]ButLennon has dismissed the conspiracy theories surrounding McGeady'sabsence from America, insisting he is suffering from the effects of athigh injury. [LNB]'It's a genuine injury,' insisted the new manager. 'He picked it up in a closed-doors game last Saturday and came off. [LNB] 'We left it until Sunday to see if it settled. It didn't, so we felt that if we were looking at 10 days, travelling would only make it worse.' [LNB]Meanwhile, Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Keiren Westwood, 25, is on Celtic's transfer radar as Artur Boruc prepares to join Fiorentina. [LNB]The Coventry No 1 has only a year left on his contract and recently rejected a new deal.[LNB]Lennon and John Park both watched Westwood in action for the Republic at the end oflast season against Paraguay and Algeria. [LNB]Sheffield Wednesday's Lee Grant has also been interesting Celtic. [LNB] Coventry slap £4m price tag on highly-rated goalkeeper Keiren Westwood with Celtic waiting in the wingsLennon confident Mexico midfielder Juarez will sign for CelticCELTIC FC

Source: Daily_Mail