Work permit problem scuppers Kumordzi's EPL move

Ghana international Bennard Kumordzi has been denied a move to a "top four" Premier League side by work permit problems, according to his agent.

Kumordzi, 22, has starred for Greek team Panionios in recent times and was named in the Black Stars' 30-man provisional World Cup 2010 squad before injury ruled him out.

The central midfielder - who has been likened to Portsmouth's Nwankwo Kanu - is understood to have caught the eye of either Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal or Tottenham Hotspur, but strict regulations in England have made the transfer impossible.

Speaking to skysports.com, a spokesman for agency SEM confirmed a switch to either Turkish giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahce or to an elite Super League Greece side was now likely.

"There has been interest in Bennard from an English Premier League Club who will play in the Champions League next season," SEM said.

"Unfortunately the player does not qualify for a UK work permit and any move must happen in Europe.

"There is interest from Turkey and Greece but the player has a contract with Panionios and any club wishing to speak to the player must first agree terms with his current club."

They added: "Bennard missed the World Cup through an injury picked up in training and was obviously devastated by this but a move to one of Europe's big clubs will go some way to softening the blow."