Celtic fail in McFadden loan move

We have a lot of commitments, so we need all our top players around Everton chief executive Keith Wyness on James McFadden

Everton have rejected approaches from Celtic and Marseille to sign Scotland striker James McFadden on loan.

The 24-year-old's future at Everton is uncertain and he has admitted he would consider a return to Scotland.

Everton chief executive Keith Wyness told BBC Sport: "We have rejected Celtic's offer out of hand and we have left it at that.

"We are not actively trying to sell him, but there has been a lot of interest, not just from Celtic."

Celtic boss Gordon Strachan was tight-lipped on any possible move, saying: "January is when the cards are on the table and we will see what happens then."

Everton signed McFadden from Motherwell in a £1.25m deal in September 2003, but he has never been a regular under manager David Moyes.

He has started only three games this season, despite being one of the stars of Scotland's excellent, but ultimately unsuccessful, attemp to qualify for Euro 2008.

Wyness added: "We are in the Carling Cup semi-finals, the last 32 of the Uefa Cup and still have the FA Cup to come.

"We also have Premiership commitments, so we need all our top players around."

Everton have always insisted they will not sell McFadden, but he said: "I'd love to play in the Premiership.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Why the hell would we spend this on another 2nd rate forward when we should be spending it on defenders anyway? SCOTBROON

"But, if it is not going to happen or if a chance to go back up to Scotland came in and I felt it was right, I'd do it."

McFadden has a year and half to run on his current deal at Goodison Park, but that has not stopped rumours that he will the subject of much interest in the January transfer window.

And a move back to Scotland would appeal to the international, who added: "Obviously it would be nice to be back with my family and back playing football again.

"But, until that chance comes, it is quite hard to answer that question. Hopefully it will happen one day, but I will wait and see."

McFadden's agent, Willie McKay, thinks a move away from Goodison is still a possibility in January as the player wants guaranteed first-team football.

Everton are looking to offer the striker a contract extension, but McFadden said: "The club have made it clear that they want to offer me a contract.

"But I have not gone down that road yet because I want to try to get into the team before I start talking about contracts."