Aiden may not get Prem move

NEIL LENNON admits Aiden McGeady wants to play in the Premiership - but claims he might not get the chance to fulfil that dream.

Spartak Moscow are locked in talks with Celtic over the wantaway winger as he edges closer to the Parkhead exit door.

Lennon revealed English clubs are also keen on the 24-year-old Irish international, but haven't yet put a bid on the table.

Hoops boss Lennon said: "Everyone knows that Aiden has been the subject of a bid from Moscow.

"I don't know if he will remain here after the transfer window has closed.

"There is a big bid for him on the table.

"You never know in football but there's strong interest, not just from Moscow, but from other clubs as well.

"Moscow is the only firm bid. That's the case at the minute and it does surprise me because of the quality Aiden has.

"I don't know what Aiden wants to do, but I think that he would do well in any league in the world.

"He's a top quality player and has been for a number of years since he broke on to the scene.

"I haven't sat down and asked him if he's away. I simply don't want to put any extra pressure on him.

"Realistically, he would prefer to play in the Premiership next season. He really knows the environment and it is closer to home for him, but you can't always get what you want.

"Aiden's a big player for us and has been for a number of seasons now.

"He was also very important for me towards the end of last season and he's a very talented player.

"Every player has his price and sometimes we can't stand in the way of that.

"If the offer's right for Celtic and the player it's hard to stop these things going through. I'm talking as if he's gone, but he hasn't. He's here, he's fit and still with us so he'll take part in the Emirates Cup."

McGeady was withdrawn from the squad that were humbled by 3-0 by Braga in the Champions League, with Celts claiming he had a back injury.

Lennon yesterday insisted the injury was genuine and scoffed at suggestions Spartak didn't want the winger cup-tied for Europe.

He added: "I can understand all that. If I was on the outside looking in, I would think there was something fishy going on.

"Things you can't control are speculation, rumours and conspiracy theories and you just have to deal with that.

"The biggest rumour mill in the world is in Glasgow.

"Aiden was ready to play in Braga, but he started to complain about his back after training last Tuesday evening.

"After speaking to the medical team, we felt it best not to play him because of his recurring back problem and also his lack of game-time.

"He wanted to play against Braga and that was a good sign for me. If he is fit he will play at the weekend and we will see how he is."