"McGeadski"

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has admitted he has resigned himself to Aiden McGeady leaving the club and cannot now see him heading anywhere but Spartak Moscow.

Lennon spoke to the midfielder since his visit to Moscow and believes the trip has sold McGeady on the £9.5million move.

Celtic lost their final pre-season game 2-1 at home to Blackburn without McGeady being involved and Lennon, who claims he will receive "all the money" from any sale, believes the transfer could be sealed within 48 hours.

He said: "He was in yesterday and more or less said his goodbyes really so we'll see how that develops over the next one or two days. I would probably think it will be Moscow.

"He's going to go to Moscow in the next few days and get the deal finalised and that will be a relief in terms of putting the deal to bed because the sooner it's done the better. I'll get all the money.

"I won't be relieved at Aiden going because I'll be losing my best player and nobody wants to do that, but we feel it's good money for a top player.

"Having spoken to him yesterday he seemed a lot more settled. He said he liked what he saw. I'd like to think the way he was talking, this is the club he will go to unless something happens last minute."

It is understood McGeady would prefer to move to the Premier League and he has been linked with Aston Villa, managed by his former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill, but Lennon doubts there will be a twist in the tale.

He added: "From what I gather it should get done over the next couple of days.

"It's not England, but you can't always get what you want in football. He's going to a big club with a decent pedigree and it might develop him further. All we can do is wish him the best."

Celtic winger Aiden McGeady has agreed to join Russian outfit Spartak Moscow on a four and a half-year deal according to Sky Sports News.

The transfer had been widely anticipated, with Bhoys manager Neil Lennon saying earlier today:

"We're hoping it's going to get over the line on Thursday or Friday,

"He was having a medical with Moscow. I'm sure that will be fine - hopefully it will be done this week.

"We're working very hard behind the scenes to bring in players in the positions we want," he continued.

"I don't know if we'll have anything for you before the weekend but we're hoping."

It is unclear whether Celtic will splash any of the money from the transfer fee to replace McGeady, with manager Neil Lennon having touted Paddy McCourt as a natural replacement.

“He's playing against Michel Salgado, who has been a world-class full-back, and given him a really tough time for long periods of the game.

"He's wonderful to watch. He's beautifully balanced and he's got great vision and great feet and that's why we decided to get him on a longer-term contract. He's pleased and we're pleased.

"They're different types of players. Paddy doesn't have Aiden's dynamic style of play, but he's got qualities that more than make up for that in his vision, touch and timing of passes. We'd all love to see Paddy play 25-30 games a season, but you have to take it week by week."

Spartak boss Valery Karpin also spoke of the deal to bring the Irish winger to Russia: "McGeady is a different type of player.

"He is not what you would call a typical British winger or wide player who just takes the ball and crosses it into the box.

"McGeady can take the ball down and play football on the ground with skill.

"Another option he gives to us is the ability to play on the left side and the right, so he's not one-sided in that respect.

"As I have said, I'm sure he will be good for us."