Source: Daily_Mail
Aiden McGeady is eager to leave Celtic, says Neil Lennon as Birmingham, Aston Villa and Spurs circle
Celtic manager Neil Lennon has admitted for the first time that Aiden McGeady wants to quit the club. The Parkhead winger recently changed agent in a quest to win a move south to the Premier League.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. Wantaway: McGeadyAs Sportsmail revealed, Spartak Moscow want the Republic of Ireland international. 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. Birmingham, Aston Villa and Spurs will now squabble for McGeady's signature. 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.' McGeady failed to jet off on Celtic's North American tour, which began with a match against Philadelphia Union early this morning. 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.ButLennon has dismissed the conspiracy theories surrounding McGeady'sabsence from America, insisting he is suffering from the effects of athigh injury. 'It's a genuine injury,' insisted the new manager. 'He picked it up in a closed-doors game last Saturday and came off. '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.' Meanwhile, Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Keiren Westwood, 25, is on Celtic's transfer radar as Artur Boruc prepares to join Fiorentina. The Coventry No 1 has only a year left on his contract and recently rejected a new deal.Lennon and John Park both watched Westwood in action for the Republic at the end oflast season against Paraguay and Algeria. Sheffield Wednesday's Lee Grant has also been interesting Celtic. 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