• Premier League

Everton closing in on swoop for Eto'o

ESPN staff
August 25, 2014
Samuel Eto'o scored nine goals in 21 league games for Chelsea last season © PA Photos
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Everton are closing in on a deal for former Chelsea striker Samuel Eto'o.

The club are reportedly in advanced talks with the 33-year-old, who became a free agent at the end of last season after he was released by Chelsea.

Everton held detailed negotiations with the forward last week, but after those initial discussions the chances of a move to Goodison Park appeared to cool, with rivals Liverpool thought to have been monitoring his situation.

Liverpool have since signed Mario Balotelli from AC Milan, which has paved the way for the Everton to rekindle their interest in Eto'o.

Talks have re-started over a potential two-year deal as manager Roberto Martinez looks to add more firepower to his side with Arouna Kone, back-up to main striker Romelu Lukaku, still to return from a knee injury sustained in October.

Eto'o scored nine times in 21 Premier League games for Chelsea last season. He would bring plenty of experience at the highest level, having won the Champions League twice with Barcelona and again with Inter.

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

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