Talented Serie A man on his way to east London.

Sports News - February 03, 2009

In a surprising twist to this particular Lazio saga, English outfit West Ham United are believed to have agreed a fee for the Biancocelesti’s Macedonian forward, Goran Pandev.

According to calciomercato.com, the Roman club have reportedly accepted West Ham’s offer of an initial €5 million. Should Pandev move on from the Hammers in a year or two, Lazio would receive 50 per cent of the transfer fee.

It would be an ideal solution for president Claudio Lotito, who risks losing Pandev on a free transfer next summer, when the player’s contract expires. The Aquilotti patron is also fighting to keep Lazio’s reputation intact as the club squabbles with Pandev over the forward’s future in Rome.

Sporting director Igli Tare was recently forced to tell the media that “there is no case about [Lazio] bullying [Pandev]“, as the 26-year-old tries to secure his release from the club.

A move to Zenit St. Petersburg broke down earlier this summer, but time is beginning to run out for Pandev to move before the transfer window closes. If these reports are on the mark, Pandev could line-up for Gianfranco Zola’s side against Blackburn Rovers next weekend. (goal.com)

According to many sources this deal is pretty much done and if so, Gianfranco Zola has managed to net himself a quality striking option who is ready made to do well in the English game.

The Macedonian has a big physical presence that could well work for him in the Premier League and he can operate effectively as an advanced midfielder or as the out and out forward and has been a consistent performer during his five years at Serie A side Lazio.


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