BIRMINGHAM boss Steve Bruce has confirmed his interest in the ?5million-rated Juventus midfielder Stephen Appiah.

Bruce admitted he has been monitoring 24-year-old Appiah for several months as he sets his sights on bringing in up to four quality players this summer.

The Ghana international has failed to command a regular place with the Italian giants and is also understood to be attracting the interest of Newcastle, Everton and Portsmouth plus Fiorentina and Bologna.

Former Parma star Appiah, who has three years left of his current contract, is understood to be keen to have a spell in England.

Bruce said: "We've been scouring the market for months and Appiah is one we are looking at."