Serie A side Bologna have confirmed on the club''''s official website the signature of former Udinese and Juventus midfielder Stephen Appiah. The Ghanian had been without a club since leaving Turkish Superlig side Fenerbahce in the summer of 2008 and despite being on trial with Tottenham Hotspur last season, he failed to secure a deal as concerns rose over his fitness.

Recent speculation linking the 28-year-old with moves to Germany and Russia did not transpire, allowing Bologna coach Franco Colomba to secure the player''''''''s services.

The announcement made by the Italian side confirms that Appiah will be unveiled by the Rossoblu on Monday morning, although the length of contract offered is not yet clear.

Despite his lack of regular football for 18 months, Appiah was an integral part of Ghana’s qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, linking with Chelsea star Michael Essien in the centre of the Black Stars'''''''' midfield.

Appiah’s career has been blighted by a series of knee problems, which first arose during his second season at Juventus. However, Bologna have decided to take a chance and hope that he can recapture some of the form that saw him guide Fenerbache to the Turkish League and cup double in 2007.

Paul Macdonald, Goal.com