By Chris O'Brien
December 13 2004

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Celtic youngster Aiden McGeady. The 18-year-old has already represented the Republic of Ireland and is fast establishing himself as a regular in the Bhoys' line-up.

Manchester United are thought to be monitoring the progress of Glasgow Celtic youngster Aiden McGeady, and could launch a bid for the teenager in the near future. The 18-year-old is rated by many as the most exciting prospect in the Scottish Premier League and the way he has started his career indicated McGeady will have the ability to play at the very highest level.

Described by Celtic manager Martin O'Neill as a player with "enormous potential", McGeady possesses great versatility. He can play in midfield, up front, or on the flanks and has finally broke into the Hoops' first-team regularly this term. He has made 17 appearances for the club this term, with his eagerly anticipated debut coming in Celtic's double-winning season last term where he scored against Heart of Midlothian.

The Glaswegian pledged his allegiance to the Republic of Ireland from a young age, and already has two senior international caps to his name. His grandfather was born in the Republic, and the attacking-minded McGeady made an appearance as the Irish narrowly beat Croatia in an international friendly at Lansdowne Road thanks to a Robbie Keane strike and prior to that had played against Jamaica.

Celtic are struggling with transfer funds, and could be tempted to accept a bid for McGeady. However, with the player rated so highly by the Bhoys' faithful, Martin O'Neill would demand a big fee for the youngster. He is contracted until 2008, and reports suggest Sir Alex Ferguson would need to make an offer in the region of £5million for the Irish international. Should he move to Old Trafford, he would follow former team-mate and countryman Liam Miller to Manchester United.