WEST HAM are believed to be upping their efforts to sign Ghana captain Stephen Appiah, according to reports.

The midfielder quit Fernebahce last week and claims to be a free agent following a long-running dispute with the Turkish club.

The row surrounded a long-term knee injury which saw the combabtative midfielder miss most of last season as well as the African Cup of Nations tournament in January.

His depature has put a number of European clubs on red alert, including the Hammers' Premier League rivals Portsmouth and Spurs.

But Hammers staff are set to fly to Italy in a bid to tempt Appiah - who had a spell with Juventus and is currently living back in Turin - to chose east London.

However, they would need to clarify the 27-year-old's contractual status before looking to secure either a loan or permanent deal for the player.

[Guardian-Series]

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