Soccer:Aiden McGeady could make up to €2.4million after tax if he signs for Spartak Moscow, according to top football agent Rudi Vata.
The 24-year-old Celtic star, who signed a five-year deal in 2008, has been subject of a bid from the Russian club which was reported as €10million.
The Parkhead club have rebuffed the offer and insist the Republic of Ireland midfielder is not for sale but that is unlikely to end interest in the player who has admitted in the past that he would like to play in England.
Former Hoops‘ defender Vata specialises in the Eastern European market and was involved in the deals which saw former Hibernian striker Garry O’Connor both join and leave Lokomotiv Moscow.
Vata said: “He will get anything between €1.8million to €2.4million net in Russia, I can guarantee that.
“He will be able to make much more money than he would get at say, Birmingham or any team at that level in the Premier League.
“I know the mentality of the Russians, I have a lot of contacts over there.
“They rarely buy star players over 25 or 26. They look to bring players who are around 25 or younger and then sell them on.
“If you have a star player in countries like Belgium or France - or Scotland - who is an international then that will attract the Russian clubs and McGeady fits in to that category.
“It is a good league in Russia and it will make him a better player. If he stays two years he will be stronger physically and mentally.
“They will think that they can then sell him to a Premier League club for €18million, they have done that in the past.
“They know what they are doing, they know they will get the fee back.”
Despite the financial attractions, Vata, who played for Celtic between 1993 and 1996, understands why some players are reluctant to make the move to Russia even for a short spell.
He said: “Moscow is a beautiful city, a great city but it takes a strong personality, someone with a strong mentality to survive over there.
“It is not easy to make new friends and you travel long journeys to games.
“I don’t think he will go.
“If he has one or two options down south then I think he will go there.”