SUNDERLAND have been told to forget using striker Anthony Stokes as bait in their attempt to lure Aiden McGeady to Wearside – and warned by Celtic it will take more than £10m to prise him away from the Scottish champions.

The Republic of Ireland winger is one of manager Roy Keane’s priority targets as he looks to improve the calibre of his squad and add players capable of taking the Black Cats into the top half of the Premier League.

Sunderland are yet to declare their hand in the chase for the much-coveted McGeady, but among the options the club are understood to be exploring is using Stokes to add value to any £10m cash offer that they make.

Celtic boss Gordon Strachan attempted to sign Stokes when he first became available two years ago after making a tremendous impact at Falkirk – and the thinking in the Sunderland camp is that the Glasgow club will still be keen on a player who has proved he can score goals in the SPL.

But Celtic are not believed to be keen on taking Stokes as a make-weight, and sources in Glasgow have indicated any move to that effect would be met with a firm rejection. Indeed, Celtic, who can offer Champions League football to the 22-year-old, are understood to be looking for a figure nearer to £13m for their star asset.

Newcastle are also monitoring McGeady’s availability but Keane will hope to exploit his personal relationship with Strachan in brokering any deal.

Sunderland’s have not formalised their interest in McGeady but that situation is expected to change after Euro 2008.

Source

Anthony Stokes [Wiki]