Russians get serious with formal bid for Aiden McGeady

CELTIC manager Neil Lennon says the club is fighting to keep hold of Aiden McGeady after confirming there has been a bid from a Russian club, thought to be Spartak Moscow, for the winger's services - but admits the player could be sold if the price is right.

• Picture: TSPL

Lennon made his first signing yesterday in the shape of Charlie Mulgrew, with the left-back having completed his move from Aberdeen. He will be unveiled today after signing a three-year deal.

The South Korean international defender Cha Du Ri is also set to join him at the club with a view to occupying the other side of the Celtic defence. The 29-year-old right back, who appeared in three of his country's four matches at this summer's World Cup finals, underwent a medical at Lennoxtown last night.

Lennon says the Russian bid for McGeady, the club's most valuable asset, remains on the table, although it will clearly have to be improved. Celtic have previously knocked back an offer in the region of 8 million.

"Aiden is one of our most important players and preferably I would not want him to go," said Lennon. "However, if we get a huge offer that's right for us then we'll consider it. I've not sat down with him yet to talk about it so I'll get a feel for things from him in the next few days."

.Further casualties of Lennon's overhaul at Celtic were confirmed, with Zheng Zhi released. He joins Koki Mizuno in heading back to the far east, and has joined Guangzhou FC in China. Mizuno is now with Japanese club Kashiwa Reysol.

Willie McStay has also departed. The reserve-team coach spent a spell in Hungary last season, in charge of Ujpest Dozsa. When he returned to Celtic Park in March he found a different regime in place, with Lennon having replaced the sacked manager Tony Mowbray.