Schalke gives up on Appiah

Gelsenkirchen, Germany - Schalke 04 have decided not to pursue the signing of Ghana captain Stephen Appiah from Turkish side Fenerbahce. Club manager Andreas Mueller was quoted by Germany's Kicker magazine Thursday as saying the Schalke board had vetoed a signing because of the player's wage demands.

Appiah was wanted by Mueller to strengthen the defensive midfield of the Bundesliga runners-up. But Mueller said the directors and the supervisory board were not unanimous in approving a transfer.

"I understand that and can live with it. I have said myself that Schalke has to remain financially healthy. We were too far apart on the question of wages," he said.

Reports say Appiah is also being targeted by English Premier League side West Ham and Scottish giants Celtic.

Mueller said the player still wanted to join Schalke "but there will be no further moves on our part."