Glasgow Celtic winger Aiden McGeady’s departure from Celtic Park could be concluded by the week’s end with McGeady, along with his partner and agent, due to fly to Moscow to meet with officials from Spartak Moscow. The Ireland international is understood to have reservations about moving his family from Scotland to Russia and would prefer a move to the English Premier League where there has been reported interest from Aston Villa. Former Rangers boss Alex McLeish, now in charge of Birmingham City, had lodged an inquiry with Celtic for the winger earlier in the year but having been rebuffed first time around, their interest has waned. With no concrete offers emanating as of yet from the Premier League and the transfer deadline fast approaching, McGeady has been forced into giving serious consideration to Spartak Moscow’s firm offer, believed to be in the region of £10 million.
Another Republic of Ireland international that could be swapping Celtic Park for foreign climes is Cillian Sheridan, who has attracted keen interest from Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia. Reports suggest that having flown to Bulgaria to take in CSKA’s derby match with Levski on Saturday, Sheridan was offered a three year contract. The striker has now flown back to Ireland to consider the move with members of his family. After making an impressive debut for Celtic in 2006 in a Scottish Cup tie with Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Sheridan has struggled to make an impact for the Hoops, making just eighteen further appearances inbetween loan spells at Motherwell, Plymouth Argyle and St Johnstone. The striker, who has scored four times for Celtic, made his international debut in May in an end of season friendly win over Paraguay at the RDS.
Meanwhile, Leon Best has confirmed his intention to force his way into first team plans at newly promoted Newcastle United this term. The Magpies completed the signing of Irish international Best at the end of the January transfer window but after failing to register for his new club, Best fell behind the in-form Andy Carroll and Peter Lovenkrands in the pecking order. With a gruelling Premier League campaign ahead however, which begins with a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United, Best is focused on making an impact this season. “This season's going to be different for me. I've got my first goal, and I'm just going to keep striving."