Neil Lennon admits Aiden McGeady wants to leave Celtic

The Celtic manager, Neil Lennon, has admitted that Aiden McGeady is looking to leave Celtic this summer. The highly-rated forward is keen to test himself on a higher stage than the SPL. Aston Villa are among the clubs leading the chase for his signature. "Aiden hasn't said to me he wants to leave in so many words," Lennon said, "but that vibe came from his side of things." Lennon denied, however, that the player, who is valued at about £8m, is not with Celtic on their tour of North America because a transfer is imminent. "I know there are conspiracy theories, but he has a genuine injury," he said. "He picked it up in a bounce game on Saturday behind closed doors." McGeady's move will be mutually beneficial to player and club, as Lennon is seeking funds to facilitate an overhaul of his squad. The Hull City midfielder Jimmy Bullard has been priced out of a loan move to Parkhead after seeking an increase on his £45,000-a-week wage, a matter which prompted a vociferous outburst from the Hull City chairman, Adam Pearson. "I spoke to Jimmy at the weekend, but I think Adam Pearson has more or less covered things," Lennon said. "But the door is still open for Jimmy if he wants to reconsider. Everything was agreed with Hull but he wanted a bit more."