The News of the World says the Spanish side, fifth in La Liga and just two points off the Champions League places, have a reputation for signing rising talents.

And they were sufficiently impressed by Celtic star McGeady's reputation to run the rule over him against derby rivals Barcelona in Tuesday's Champions League crunch.

Espanyol chiefs are aware that McGeady is under contract until 2011 and it would take an eight-figure offer to tempt Celtic to sell.