Celtic looking to sign James McFadden

Celtic are in signing talks with Scotland forward James McFadden, BBC Scotland has learned. The 28-year-old is a free agent after being released by Birmingham City at the end of last season. McFadden had been out of action since September last year after he suffered cruciate ligament damage.

Following his recovery from injury, he had been training with Wolves and manager Mick McCarthy announced he was keen to sign the player. However, it appears that McFadden has preferred to consider options other than the Barclays Premier League club.

It could mean a return to the Scottish Premier League, the forward having began his career with Motherwell. Celtic midfielder Joe Ledley believes McFadden would be a welcome addition to the club as they look to reduce the gap at the top of the table.

"He is a great player and I think he will be good for the team," said the Wales international, who hopes to be fit in time to face Kilmarnock on Saturday. "It is down to the club to sort it out, but we'd welcome him into the club. I have seen him play many times and he'd be a good player to have. He'd be a good addition to the team."

McFadden moved to Everton from Fir Park for £1.25m in 2003 and spent five years at Goodison Park before heading for Birmingham in a £5m. Having been relegated to the Championship, the Blues decided against taking up the option of a two-year extension to his contract this summer.