Portsmouth have hinted that they will sign Ghana captain Stephen Appiah as a shock replacement for Sulley Muntari.

The English FA champions were this week reported to have held talks with representatives of the former Juventus player over the move to the Premier League.

Appiah is locked in a fierce battle with Fenerbahce, inisisting he wants to leave the club on a free transfer after the doctors of the Turkish club botched his knee operation last year.

Even though Portsmouth say their spending spree is over thanks to the credit crunch but have not ruled out signing Appiah.

Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie says the Fratton Park club will still sign some players but not on huge transfer fees meaning they might clinch a deal with the Ghanaian who is expected to move on a free transfer.

Storrie said: "People have to be realistic. A few players might arrive but not for big money."

Appiah's relationship with the board of Fenerbahce has broken down after what he described as: "betrayal of trust by officials of the club."

Fenerbahce doctors were blamed for the clotting of the midfielder's blood after a botched knee surgery.

Officials of the Turkish club told the country media that the condition was hereditary but Italian doctors say the aftercare for the surgery caused the blood clot.

He missed the Africa Cup of Nations because of setback and it was the longest period he has been out of action in his career.

Appiah has enjoyed an injury-free career but for the recent and he is reported to have returned to full fitness.