Appiah has high wage demands

The Ghana star is a free agent having negotiated his released from Turkish club Fenerbahce during the summer.

Pompey had been among a clutch of English clubs interested in bringing the midfielder to the Premier League, with West Ham and Arsenal also in the race.

Appiah's status as a free agent enables him to be signed by clubs outside of the transfer window, although he would not be allowed to feature in European competition until after January.

But regardless of his undoubted ability, Appiah would be a costly capture in terms of wages.

And Redknapp believes that in itself rules the Blues out of the running.

He said: "I doubt it very much whether he will be coming to us.

"He's going to be expensive. He's going to want big, big wages, so it will be difficult.

"We have already brought players in. I have got a squad and we've spent money to do that. The owner has been great.

"But we're not planning to do anything else now."

West Ham were believed to be heading the queue for Appiah's services, although their interest appears to have gone quiet since the arrival of Gianfranco Zola as manager.

The all-action midfielder had indicated he would make his decision two weeks ago ? yet still nothing has been finalised.

Appiah had previously been out for nine months with an injury before returning to action for Ghana against Libya earlier this month.