Ex-Ghana captain Stephen Appiah has exclusively told GHANAsoccernet.com he will sign for English Premier League side Blackburn Rovers.

The 31-year-old, a free agent, claims he had a successful trial session and will put pen-to-paper to a one-year-old.

Appiah has returned to Ghana to oversee the burial of his late father Bartholomew this weekend in Accra.

He has been touring Europe for a club since he left Italian Serie A side Cesena.

“Appiah impressed and was told by Blackburn boss Steve Kean that he has to work on his fitness level,” a confidant also disclosed GHANAsoccernet.com

“He has been working at the Presby Boy Senior High School Park in Legon to step up his fitness before joining the club.”

His move to the English Premier League comes as a shock after it was reported that he was close to signing for Ukrainian top flight side FC Volyn two months ago.

Appiah has had a frustrating end to his career after some captivating performances for some top European sides.

He has been a shadow of a man who starred for Turkish side Fenerbahce four seasons ago due to a career threatening knee injury.

TRAIN with Hearts

Stephen Appiah will train with Ghana Premier League giants Hearts of Oak to help improve his match fitness, GHANAsoccernet.com can confirm

The former Fenerbahce midfielder has not played competitive since leaving Italian Serie A Cesena last season.

Appiah claims he will sign a one-year deal with English Premier League side Blackburn Rovers and needs to improve his fitness level.

He will begin working out with Nebojsa Vucicevic’s side after the final funeral rites of his late father this week.

The 31-year-old played for Hearts of Oak as his first professional club from 1995-1997 before leaving for Italian side Udinese