Transfer News and Speculation, 23 June
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Your support makes all the difference.James McFadden wants to leave Biringham City following their relegation to the Championship, according to his agent. The Scotland striker joined Birmingham from Everton in January for £5m.
With Celtic interested, McFadden could move back to Scotland. His agent Willie McKay said: "James has told me that he wants to leave. He is happy that Alex McLeish gave him an opportunity to play first-team football every week but it's a short career and he wants to play at the highest level."
McFadden, 25, signed a three-and-a-half-year contract when he arrived at Birmingham and has scored four goals in 12 games.
'Twilight' deal tempts Ballack
Michael Ballack admits Chelsea may be his last club as a professional footballer. The 31-year-old has one year left to run on his contract at Stamford Bridge and he revealed he would be happy to negotiate an extension to take him into the twilight of his career. "I can imagine it [ending career with Chelsea]. I will be 32 in September and still want to play two or three more years at this level," he said. "What comes next remains to be seen." Ballack ruled out the possibility of following the likes of David Beckham to the United States to play out the final days of his career, instead flagging up the possibility of a return to Bavaria when he hangs up his boots. "The step [to America] has rarely any sporting motivation – it is more a matter of quality of life, but I am not currently thinking about this."
Iron accept bid for Paterson
Burnley have had a bid for striker Martin Paterson of £1.3m plus add-ons accepted by Scunthorpe, the club says.
The Iron have now given permission for the 21-year-old to speak to the Clarets over personal terms. Scunthorpe have agreed a 20 per cent sell-on clause for Paterson, who was the club's top scorer last season with 14 goals.
Lennon linked to Tyneside move
Newcastle are preparing a bid, of about £6m, for the Spurs winger Aaron Lennon. The England midfielder is surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane having failed to impress Juande Ramos since the Spaniard has been in charge. Blackburn's David Bentley is a Tottenham target and the Lennon cash could help fund a deal.
Darcheville set to stay and fight
Jean-Claude Darcheville has vowed to fight for his place at Rangers and insists the arrival of new strikers will not tempt him to seek a move. Kenny Miller, Andrius Velicka and Kyle Lafferty have all joined Rangers in the past fortnight. "The fact Rangers have brought in three new strikers doesn't worry me – it excites me," he said. "It's fantastic that the club is looking to strengthen and that's why I will be there next season."
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