Fenerbahce keen to keep Appiah

Turkish champions Fenerbahce are set to offer Ghana midfielder Stephen Appiah a contract extension.

The 26-year-old, who played a key part in Fenerbahce's title win last month, has attracted interest from several top European sides.

Italian giants Juventus, Scottish side Celtic and German club Bayern Munich are all in the hunt for his signature.

But Fenerbahce insist that Appiah, whose contract with the club expires in 2009, has a big part to play as they look to next season's Uefa Champions League.

"Even before my contract with Fenerbahce expires, I have been called by management to discuss the extension of my contract," Appiah told BBC Sport.

"I am aware that there are several clubs who are in talks with Fenerbahce to sign me.

"I just have to be very sensible about the situation and listen to what Fenerbahce have to say because I am still contracted to them until 2009."

Meanwhile, German side Schalke have confirmed their interest in prising Appiah away from Fenerbahce for US$10m.

"Right now we're thinking about it," Schalke general manager Andreas Mueller said.

"But we are interested in the player, because he would fit perfectly into our set-up.

"First of all we have to look at the possibilities of a transfer and the economic feasibility of such a transfer."

Schalke, who finished runners-up in the Bundesliga, will play in the Champions League next season.