WEST HAM have been put on red alert after target Stephen Appiah parted company with Fenerbahce.

The Ghana captain 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.

Appiah should attract interest from clubs across Europe, with a move to the Premier League on the cards.

The Hammers are believed to be keen and were reportedly weighing up a £6million for the 27-year-old former Juventus star, while Portsmouth and Spurs have also been credited with showing an interest.

But the player himself - who has refuted claims he is set for a move back to Italian side Brescia - insists he will take his time before deciding where to progress his career.

"There are a few offers I am studying even though I am not in a hurry. I want to make the right choice," Appiah told FM in Accra.

"At the end of it all the most important thing is that wherever I end up, I will give it my absolute all."