The Premier League have confirmed an appeal has been lodged by Adrian Mutu against his sacking by Chelsea for a positive drugs test.

The Romanian striker was suspended for seven months by the Football Association after having his contract terminated by the club for gross misconduct after he admitted using cocaine.

FIFA agreed to extend the FA's ban worldwide, but only on playing matches, which has meant Mutu can train with former side Dinamo Bucharest and could be ready to return to play for a club as soon as his ban expires in May.

There have been suggestions Italian side Juventus may be interested in signing the former Parma star, while other English clubs are also said to be keeping tabs on the situation, hoping to pick up the 25-year-old on what would be effectively a free transfer.

A spokesman for the Premier League confirmed: "Adrian Mutu's legal representatives have launched an appeal against his sacking by Chelsea.

"The Premier League will be considering it and then will decide on what course of action to take from there."

Chelsea, meanwhile, stated at the time of Mutu's sacking they were "considering all options in relation to any financial loss as a result of this case".

Those are understood to include whether to try to secure compensation for their own loss in transfer value from Mutu's departure and also requesting for the striker's registration to be withheld by the FA.

Meanwhile, Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has received some good news on the injury front after the blow of learning he could be without striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu until the new year.

Yakubu is out for up to six weeks with a medial ligament injury, but the manager could have two experienced men at his disposal for Saturday's Premiership clash with Manchester City.

Midfielder Steve Stone is back in training after two months on the sidelines with a niggling Achilles problem and could be available. And Eyal Berkovic is also back in the fold following a three-week absence with a calf strain.