Spartak not interested in signing McGeady, says coach

Spartak Moscow boss Valery Karpin has denied any interest in signing Celtic star Aiden McGeady.

Widespread reports last week suggested Spartak were prepared to pay more than £8m for the Republic of Ireland winger.

Celtic were keen to stress they had no intention of selling, with Neil Lennon claiming upon being appointed manager on a permanent basis this week that it would take a “ridiculous” offer to land the 24-year-old.

Karpin has now moved to distance himself from any bid, saying in the Evening Times: “I keep on hearing about our interest in Aiden McGeady.

“I know of him as a football player and I know his club, Celtic, but that’s it. I am not interested in him.”

Meanwhile, Stoke insist they have yet to receive any bid from Celtic for midfielder Liam Lawrence.

Lawrence is desperate to be allowed to join the Hoops, but the Potters are reportedly holding out for £2m for the 28-year-old.

Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes said: “The situation with Liam is very simple.

“We haven’t had any formal approach for him.

“I know Celtic, in particular, have been widely rumoured to be interested in him. The only work there has been through agents – there has been no direct contact between the clubs.”