‘Arry would be ‘appy with Appiah

Pompey manager Harry Redknapp, has admitted his interest in Ghana international Stephen Appiah.

The powerful midfielder is currently a free agent, after being released by Turkish side Fenerbahce.

Redknapp knows however that Pompey will not be the only club in for him.

The Blues manager told The News,'”I’d love to sign Appiah and we are interested in him but there’s nothing really going on here at the moment.

“It’s going to be tough to get him – there are a lot of clubs chasing him, clubs like West Ham and Arsenal, which you expect because he’s a free agent.

“I am sure Juventus will want him back as well. There will be plenty of takers.”

Appiah has been looked at as a replacement for fellow Ghanaian Sulley Muntari and has been a long-term target for boss Harry Redknapp.

Portsmouth also lost key midfielder Pedro Mendes, losing him to Scottish club Glasgow Rangers for £3m.

‘Arry is keen to rebulk his midfield as a result with the addition of Appiah but knows it may prove to be a difficult task.

Redknapp added, “He’s a terrific player for someone on a free.

“I’ve asked about him in the past. I watched him play plenty of times when I was looking at Sulley Muntari and they played together for Ghana.

“When I enquired I was told he would cost 14 million euros (around £11m).

“He’s a top player but I already wanted Sulley and couldn’t have both of them.

“Appiah’s a fantastic footballer, he’s an athlete, has a great engine, works hard and is the captain of Ghana. A lot of teams would love to sign him.

“There’s a chance we might get him, like I say, we are interested in him. We’ll just have to see what happens.

“But there is a lot of competition out there, which you expect for a very, very good player like that.”

Pompey fans will be hoping ‘Arry will be able to pull off another shrewd signing.