Skysports.com understands Schalke have tabled a bid for Fenerbahce midfielder Stephen Appiah.

Appiah is keen to leave the Turkish giants and was reportedly the subject of interest from West Ham United amongst others.

Celtic, Valencia and Juventus have also been linked with the Ghana captain but it appears Schalke have stolen a march on their rivals.

Schalke have been interested in Appiah in the past but were thought to be out of the race due to his high wage demands.

However, the Bundesliga club have launched a fresh bid to sign the 26-year-old and will offer him UEFA Champions League football.