Glasgow Celtic have been linked with an ambitious £3m move for Stephen Appiah, the Ghana captain currently under contract with Fenerbahce until 2009.

A spokesman for the Istanbul club, though, insisted last night that the midfielder remained "an important part" of their plans and was not available for transfer.

Celtic manager, Gordon Strachan, has been busy preparing for next season and has spent the last week scouting the transfer market.

Looked at this week by Strachan has been Appiah, whose form at last summer's World Cup caught the eye.

The 26-year-old midfielder is currently at Turkish side Fenerbahce and would cost around £3million were Celtic to table a firm offer for the midfielder, who can also play in an attaching role.

He has two years remaining on his current deal but has indicated that he wants a move away from Turkey and it's believed Champions League football is his main motivation for seeking pastures new.

If Appiah makes the move, he will be the second Ghanaian player in the Scottisp Premier league after Laryea Kingston