Wenger to steal Appiah from Tottenham

Sport.co.uk understands that Arsene Wenger is set to make a fresh move to sign free agent Stephen Appiah. The Ghanaian midfielder was training with Spurs during January and boss Harry Redknapp said he was close to making a decision on the player last week.

Redknapp said:

"He has had an injury and his fitness is way below what you'd hope it to be," Redknapp said.

"But he's worked hard so I'll have a look at him and give him a decision because he's been with us for about a month now. He needs to know."

Arsene Wenger was close to securing the signature of Appiah in the summer but Arsenal doctors advised the Frenchman to not make a move for the international unitl the player had proved his fitness levels.

However, since clinching the services of Andrei Arshavin, Wenger is keen to bring Appiah in until the end of the season, with the view of signing the player on a long term contract if he proves his fitness.

Arsenal were unable to comment on the transfer and Tottenham are yet to deliver a statement on whether they are close to signing the former Juventus and Fenerbahce star.