Football
Mike Whalley 10y

Everton close in on Samuel Eto'o deal

Everton are closing in on a deal to sign former Chelsea striker Samuel Eto'o on a two-year contract.

The Cameroon international is in advanced talks over a move to Goodison Park, sources have told ESPN FC. Eto'o could complete the deal in time to feature in Saturday's Premier League home match against Chelsea, who released him at the end of last season.

Manager Roberto Martinez has been considering a move for an extra forward, despite breaking the club's transfer record to buy Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea for 28 million pounds on July 30.

Lukaku limped off during the second half of Saturday's 2-2 Premier League draw with Arsenal, while fellow striker Arouna Kone does not yet have a return date despite returning to training after 10 months out with a knee injury.

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In addition, attacking midfielder Ross Barkley -- another goal-scoring option -- will be out until at least October after sustaining medial knee ligament damage in training on Aug. 15.

Eto'o has been looking to stay in the Premier League following his season at Chelsea amid interest from both Everton and Liverpool.

Going into last weekend, Liverpool were still considering a move for the former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker as a backup if their bid to sign Mario Balotelli from AC Milan fell through.

But with Balotelli's 16 million-pound transfer to Anfield confirmed on Monday, Everton are now in pole position for Eto'o's signature.

The 33-year-old, who was the highest-paid player in the world during his time with Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala, scored nine times in 21 Premier League appearances after moving to Chelsea in 2013.

If he completes his move to Goodison Park, he will become Everton's sixth signing of the summer.

Gareth Barry was the first when he made his loan move from Manchester City permanent, while fellow midfielder Muhamed Besic arrived from Ferencvaros, and young defender Brendan Galloway was recruited from MK Dons.

Martinez has also signed two players from Chelsea: striker Lukaku on a permanent deal and winger Christian Atsu on a season's loan.

Everton have drawn their opening two league games -- against Arsenal and Leicester City -- 2-2.

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