Russian big-spenders Anzhi Makhachkala have entered the race to sign Ghanaian youngster Andre Ayew from Marseille.

Intense speculation in the French media claims Anzhi will slap in an offer for the winger when the transfer window opens in January.

But the Russian side join a long list of European clubs said to be interested in the son of legend Abedi Pele.

The club from Dagestan have the financial wherewithal to meet his 11 million Euros release clause and a salary of 100,000 Euros gross per month.

It is unclear whether Marseille will refuse a big offer from Anzhi.

Andre’s contract with former Olympique Marseille talisman runs until 2014.

The 21-year-old was named the club’s player of the year last year and has scored four goals in the Ligue 1 side.

Anzhi is paying Cameroonian international Samuel Eto’o 10 million euros (£8.7m) per season for three years.