Celtic to Move for McFadden ?


Reports are emerging that Scotland international James McFadden may be set to leave relegated Birmingham City during the summer. Eyebrows were raised when McFadden left Everton to join the Blues in their fight for Premiership survival. However his close relationship with Birmingham boss Alex McLeish may have swayed McFadden's decision as the two worked well together during McLeish's brief reign as Scotland manager.

There are suggestions that McFadden had a relegation clause in his contract which would allow him to leave for £3m, a price which may tempt many Premiership suitors given Birmingham parted with twice that figure to secure his services. Further rumours suggest that Celtic have offered cash plus central defender Bobo Balde in exchange for his talents.

There has been constant speculation that McFadden will return north to ply his trade in the SPL, with both Celtic and Rangers being touted as interested. It is well known that McFadden was a Celtic supporter as a boy and this would suggest that if he were to return home Celtic would be his prefered destination. However with Celtic acquiring Pat McCourt from Derry City they seem well covered in wide areas with Nakamura, Mizuno and double Player of the Year Aiden McGeady already on the books.

What does seem likely is that the cocky McFadden will not fancy seeing out his time in the Championship and will opt once more to play at the highest level.