Ghana captain, Stephen Appiah could be playing in the Barclays Premiership after West Ham confirmed that they are engaged in talks to sign the midfielder.

Appiah who is a free agent after cancelling his contract at Fenerbahce has recovered from a knee ligament injury that kept him out for a greater part of the Turkish season and the CAF Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.

The Hammers announced the move for Appiah after the signing of David Di Michele and Herita Ilunga, with both deals subject to registration by the Premier League.

The statement read: "The club recognise the lateness of this announcement but certain formalities including the release of international transfer certificates had to be completed.

"West Ham can also confirm discussions with Ghana midfielder Stephen Appiah are ongoing."

Stephen Appiah who has been included in Ghana's squad to play Libya on Friday in the joint qualifying match for the 2010 Africa Nations Cup and World Cup, worked his way back to fitness when he joined Italy's Brescia in their pre-season campaign.