Motherwell to approach James McFadden about return

Manager Stuart McCall will discuss a possible Motherwell return with James McFadden but played down his chances of landing the Scotland forward.

The 29-year-old has been training with the club he left in 2003 since June.

And McCall has been given the green light to add at least one new signing.

"I'm getting fed up of Faddy being around," joked McCall. "He's too skilful for us all. He's been around a long time now, so maybe he wants to get his boots on and start playing."

McFadden, who has scored 15 goals in 48 Scotland appearances, was released by Everton at the end of last season.

When asked if there was any chance of a deal, McCall said: "I wouldn't say it's completely dead, but I wouldn't say there was any life in it either.

"I'll maybe have a little chat with him today, but I don't really know what James is thinking.

"I would imagine he has got offers elsewhere far bigger and brighter than ours - not that we have made him an offer."

Asked last month if joining the Claret & Amber was a possibility, McFadden replied: "I don't think so, not at this time.

"It was an arrangement to train and get fit. They are happy for me to do that and I am grateful for the opportunity."

McCall has only added versatile defender Simon Ramsden and on-loan teenage Birmingham centre-back Fraser Kerr this summer after losing Stephen Craigan, Tim Clancy, Steve Jennings and Ross Forbes.

And he was encouraged by talks with the club's board, who rejected recent bids for Shaun Hutchinson and Nicky Law.

"It was quite promising, so I have got two weeks to try to get one person or maybe a couple in, probably loans," revealed McCall.

"But at least there is something there, which wasn't looking the case.

"It wasn't the greatest amount in the world, but it was something and I was really pleased."

McCall then admitted he has several dilemmas as he ponders his requirements.

"You look at central midfield for a physical presence, obviously we lost Jennings," he said.

"We are playing Nicky Law and Keith Lasley there, who are both good going forward. Maybe we need a defensive one to anchor.

"Having said that, Simon Ramsden can play that and we might look at a centre-half.

"We will wait and see what's out there. I don't want to bring two or three people in who are not going to improve it, but on the other hand the squad is small.

"You can get a couple of young ones from down south, but how do you know they are any better than the young ones we have got? Because we have been pleased with them."

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Motherwell right-back Nicky Devlin has joined First Division newcomers Dumbarton, with whom he played until 2011, on loan until January.