Birmingham rival Middlesbrough for Appiah

Birmingham City have joined the race for Juventus midfielder Stephen Appiah. Everton made an inquiry after the Ghana international in January, while Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren was in Turin last Wednesday for talks over the youngster.

Birmingham had a representative at the Champions League quarter-final between Juventus and Liverpool last week, when Appiah came on for the last six minutes.

Its understood Juve are ready to sell and seeking ?5 million for the ex-Brescia man.