Premier duo on Appiah alert

West Ham and Portsmouth chase Ghana star

By Peter O'Rourke   Last updated: 18th August 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Premier duo on Appiah alert

Appiah: Looking for move

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Skysports.com understands Stephen Appiah could be set for a move to England after revealing he is quitting Fenerbahce.

Appiah is hoping to have his contract with the Turkish giants cancelled as he claims they have stopped paying him after a bust-up with the club.

The Ghana international has been at loggerheads with Fener since January after the club decided to freeze his contract because of fitness problems.

The midfield powerhouse's relationship with Fenerbahce began to break down after Appiah claimed he was wrongly guided by the club's medical staff last season after suffering problems in his rehabilitation from knee surgery.

Appiah is now hoping Fifa will allow him to cancel the one year remaining on his contract so that he can find a new club.

Sad

"For the fans of Fenerbahce, I am sad to announce that after giving my all to this club I personally love, the management have made it impossible for me stay," Appiah told his official website.

"Two seasons ago even when I was injured I agreed to play for Fenerbahce just to make sure we won the title and I am happy that I did because of my commitment to the club.

"Since then there has been some dishonest briefings to the Turkish media about the complications from the surgery.

"Since they have stopped paying my salary I am now a free agent and I expect that status to be confirmed by Fifa later this month."

Attractive

The African's status as a possible free agent make him an attractive proposition for a number of clubs, with the likes of West Ham and Portsmouth believed to be tracking the former Juventus man.

Appiah has been linked with a move to England before and the 27-year-old is thought to be keen on trying his luck in the Premier League.

West Ham are in the market for midfield reinforcements after allowing Freddie Ljungberg to leave the club.

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is also weighing up a move for Appiah as he seeks a replacement for Sulley Muntari.