Kop in the chase for free Pandev

Rafa Benitez has joined Harry Redknapp and Carlo Ancelotti in the stampede for free agent Goran Pandev.

The striker has had his Lazio contract torn up by an Italian court last night.

Spurs boss Redknapp has been after Pandev for mkore than two years, while the fact that the Macedonian, 26, is not cup-tied for the Champions League means Arsenal could also move in.

The Gunners, however, are more likely to complete the cut-price signing of Bordeaux marksman Marouane Chamakh.

Kop boss Benitez is understood to have registered his interest but Ancelotti's Chelsea can better the wages the Anfield club would be able to pay.

Pandev had been frozen out by Lazio after asking for a move last summer. But he appealed to the Italian League's arbitration board, who not only ruled in his favour, but also ordered Lazio to pay damages and legal costs.

Now they will get nothing for him as Pandev is free to join any club he chooses.

Lazio president, Claudio Lotito vowed: "I don't give up. It doesn't end here. We'll see then who wins."

Pandev's case could mean other European clubs are now forced to include unsettled players in their plans, despite the disruption.

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