Aiden McGeady is tipped to be leaving Celtic soon after having not made the squad which has embarked on a pre-season tour of the US.

The Republic of Ireland player, who got given his first start with Celtic by the current Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill, is said to be contemplating a possible move to Aston Villa.

Celtic claim that McGeady’s absence from the side is down to a thigh injury but the club is reported to be aware of Villa’s expressed interest in the star.

"Aiden has injured a thigh and it is impossible for him to play for 10 days. So we thought it was better he stayed here to get treatment and to make sure he is ready for the Champions League games," said the side’s assistant manager.

McGeady is said to be keen to test his ability on a higher stage than the Scottish Premier League and would also look forward to the opportunity to be reunited with Martin O'Neill, the Villa manager who handed the then teenager his Celtic debut in 2004.

Neill Lennon is also interested in pursuing a squad overall and could do with the money that selling McGeady would release.

Celtic confirmed the arrival of Joe Ledley on a four-year contract from Cardiff City earlier today and is said to be  close to completing a deal for the Mexico international midfielder Efraín Juárez.

McGeady’s price is thought to be in the range of £8m.