Ireland's Aiden McGeady set to go to Spain on loan

Everton winger Aiden McGeady set for a loan move to Sevilla

Kevin Palmer

Everton and Republic of Ireland Aiden McGeady is close to agreeing a loan move to Spanish side Sevilla, Independent.ie understands.

The last gasp deal ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline could revive McGeady’s hopes of securing a place in the Ireland squad for next summer’s Euro 2016 finals, with the 29-year-old eager to get back into action after a nightmare season at Everton.

McGeady was informed by Everton manager Roberto Martinez that he would be allowed to leave the club in this transfer window, but a lack of interest from Premier League clubs left the player facing the prospect of remaining on the sidelines at Goodison Park for the rest of this season.

That would almost certainly have ended his hopes of breaking into the Ireland squad, with national team boss Martin O’Neill going on record to suggest McGeady needed to play more football at club level to get into his plans.

McGeady has played just 45 minutes of action for Everton this season and has failed to impress boss Martinez with his less than committed attitude, with this move to Spain likely to be one of his final chances to relaunch a faltering career,

After an initial enquiry from West Bromwich Albion came to nothing after Everton insisted they would only consider a deal if the club taking on McGeady would cover all of his wages until the end of the season.

Loan agreements often see parent clubs continuing to pay a proportion of the wages of the player they are releasing on a temporary basis, but Everton were keen to secure a deal that would see their wage bill relieved of his salary for the next few months.

The offer of loan moves to Championship clubs Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn fell through when the terms of the loan agreement were outlined by Everton, but Europa League holders Sevilla will cover McGeady’s wages.

The move will see the Ireland winger link up with his former Spartak Moscow coach Unai Emery in Spain, with McGeady’s eagerness to end his Everton nightmare confirmed by his willingness to make a temporary switch to La Liga.

Everton are also willing to off-load Republic of Ireland midfielder Darron Gibson on a loan deal this month, but no move has been agreed as yet.