McFadden set to join Well for pre-season

FORMER Motherwell star James McFadden is set for a surprise return to Fir Park.

The striker is without a club having been released by Premiership giants Everton last month.

He is set to join Stuart McCall's side when they return to pre-season training on Thursday.

McFadden will be with the Well first-team squad in a bid to get in shape ahead of the new campaign, but he could sign a short-term deal with the Champions League-bound Steelmen.

The 29-year-old, who was a target for Celtic manager Neil Lennon before agreeing a return to Goodison Park last season, has endured a frustrating few years as he has struggled for fitness and first-team action.

A former Scotland hero, he is keen to continue his career south of the border, but has expressed his desire to return to Fir Park having ended his time with the Steelmen in 2004 to join Everton.