Spartak Moscow have insisted that Aiden McGeady is not for sale amid continued reports of interest from Aston Villa.
The Republic of Ireland winger only left Celtic for the Russian capital in August and has shown decent form on the pitch for the side whose Champions League campaign is over, but who still have the Europa League to look forward to after Christmas.
However, reports have surfaced saying that the 37-times capped wide man is struggling to settle in Moscow, and that has prompted speculation that he could be eying a return to British shores.
Villa, who were linked with the player in the summer when still managed by McGeady’s old Celtic boss Martin O’Neill, have again been mooted as a possible destination, especially as manager Gerard Houllier is desperate to add experienced blood to his team in nearly every position.
However, he and any other suitors of the winger – who cost the Russian club £12 million - have been warned off, with Spartak’s sporting director Dmitri Popov quoted as saying: "McGeady is certainly not for sale.
"It is not true that he is unsettled in Moscow. No-one has approached us from Villa yet but, if they do, our answer will definitely be a no."