Toffees rule out McFadden move to Celtic

Everton have insisted Scotland striker James McFadden will not be leaving Goodison for Celtic during the January transfer window.

Birmingham have also been linked with a move for the 24-year-old whose crucial goals almost carried Scotland to the Euro 2008 finals.

However Everton intend to keep McFadden and chief executive Keith Wyness has pledged to turn down any approaches for the former Motherwell player.

Celtic have been repeatedly suggested as a possible buying club if Everton hint that McFadden could be available for transfer.

However, manager David Moyes is unlikely to want to lose a striker of McFadden’s ability.

Wyness told the Daily Express: “I haven’t spoken to the manager but no approach from Celtic has come through me or the club. James McFadden is under contract to Everton and we have made it clear we don’t want to sell him.

“He is a major player in our squad and will continue to play a vital role for the team. If any club made an approach in January they would be wasting their time.”

If Celtic do acquire a striker next month, it could spell the end of Maciej Zurawski’s hopes of breaking into the Hoops starting line-up on a regular basis.

Poland striker Zurawski has been urged by his international boss Leo Beenhakker to secure a starting place, and the Dutchman insists the 31-year-old would still feature in his Euro 2008 plans if he goes to play in America.

Beenhakker said: “What matters most is that he plays on a regular basis, the level is not really a problem.”