Turkish club Fenerbache have rejected the latest bid by English side Portsmouth to sign their Ghanaian midfielder Stephen Appiah.

Officials of Portsmouth have been holding negotiations in Instanbul for the past two days to secure the signature of the Ghana captain.

Even though the two clubs reached a consensus of US$20m as the transfer fee for the 25-year-old, the Turkish giants turned down the offer saying finding a replacement for their prized midfielder will be difficult as the transfer window in Europe shuts on Thursday at midnight.

Appiah said : "I have to concentrate now on getting victories for Fenerbahce as the deal with Portsmouth is completely off for now.

"If the guys from Portsmouth had improved on their initial fee for my transfer a deal could have been done long ago.

"But at this last minute selling me without a proper replacement will be difficult for Fenerbahce giving my contribution to the team.

"I am grateful to Portsmouth to the interest they have shown in my ability especially coach Harry Redknapp," Appiah said.

Redknapp is a big admirer of Appiah and believes he would fit the bill as to what he needs at Fratton Park.

But Fenerbahce have rebuffed several enquiries for the powerhouse midfielder following their failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.