Appiah demands West Ham talks

Ghana captain Stephen Appiah has asked his club Fenerbahce to talk to West Ham over a possible move to the English Premiership.

The Turkish champions are reluctant to release the midfielder, having turned down several offers for the 26-year-old.

With the imminent departure of Yossi Benayoun to Liverpool, West Ham are keen on using the money earned from the sale of Nigel Reo-Coker to enter the chase for the Ghana captain.

Appiah is reported to be frustrated at efforts being made to keep him at Fenerbahce and his absence on the first day of the team’s training camp in Austria has prompted fears of a protest from the midfielder.

Appiah said: “If West Ham United have expressed strong interest in me and I think Fenerbahce will have to listen to their offer and other offers on the table for me.

“It is public knowledge that I want to move to England in the interest of the education of my kids, who still live in Italy because of their education.

“At the start of last season I turned down several offers from top clubs in Europe just to help Fenerbahce lift the title because of my love for the team and fans.

“Even while I was injured I continued to play to secure the title so they should also take my interest into consideration and listen to the offers.

“It is only fair that having served them with all my heart they should also take my interest into consideration even though I understand I have a contract with this great Turkish club.

“I want my future to be sorted out soon so that I can make my future plans now.”

The midfielder could have joined for Scottish side Celtic for US$11m last month, according to the Times but his reported demands for £60,000-a-week were too much for Celtic to stomach.

However, Celtic could bring Appiah back to the negotiating table if Thomas Gravesen is offloaded to English Championship side Sheffield United.

German side Schalke are also reported to have upped their offer to secure Appiah ahead of their participation in the Uefa Champions League.

Valencia and Juventus have also been linked with a summer move for Appiah.