James McFadden to train with Celtic as talks continue over move

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<div class="track"><img alt="" src="http://hits.guardian.co.uk/b/ss/guardiangu-feeds/1/H.22.2/71671?ns=guardian&pageName=James+McFadden+to+train+with+Celtic+as+talks+continue+over+move%3AArticle%3A1647521&ch=Football&c3=GU.co.uk&c4=Celtic+%28Football+club%29%2CFootball%2CSport&c5=Scottish+Football&c6=Ewan+Murray&c7=11-Oct-13&c8=1647521&c9=Article&c10=News&c11=Football&c13=&c25=&c30=content&h2=GU%2FFootball%2FCeltic" width="1" height="1" /></div><p class="standfirst">• McFadden has been without a club since end of last season<br />• Forward turned down new deal at Birmingham in summer</p><p>The Scotland international James McFadden is expected to spend a few days training with Celtic, as talks continue about a move for the free agent.</p><p>McFadden has been without a club since his contract at Birmingham City expired at the end of last season, and has not played a competitive match since suffering a cruciate ligament injury playing for Birmingham in August last year, but reportedly knocked back the opportunity to remain with the Championship side on reduced terms.</p><p>The forward, who has also trained with his former club Everton in recent times, had a trial period with Wolves which didn't result in a permanent deal being agreed. It is thought he and his family may now be amenable to a return to Scotland and the club he supported as a boy.</p><p>Celtic have therefore opened discussions with the representatives of McFadden, who has 48 caps for his country and is best known north of the border for a stunning winner against France in Paris, four years ago.</p><p>Both parties are thought to be relaxed about the potential length of contract for the 28-year-old. In the meantime, plans are being put in place for the player to train with Neil Lennon's squad, most likely from the start of next week. Celtic's manager is keen to boost his options both in attack and defence because of recent poor displays.</p><p>Lennon will almost certainly talk about the potential arrival of McFadden on Friday as shareholders gather for Celtic's annual general meeting. Pressure on the manager and members of the Celtic board has increased due to Rangers' 10 point lead over their city rivals in the Scottish Premier League.</p><div class="related" style="float: left; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><ul><li><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/celtic">Celtic</a></li></ul></div><div class="author"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/profile/ewanmurray">Ewan Murray</a></div><br/><div class="terms"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk">guardian.co.uk</a> &copy; 2011 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our <a href="http://users.guardian.co.uk/help/article/0,,933909,00.html">Terms & Conditions</a> | <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/help/feeds">More Feeds</a></div><p style="clear:both" />
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