Everton transfer news: Samuel Eto'o exit thrown into doubt after Sampdoria admits 'nobody can figure out who is in charge'

Sampdoria had hoped to wrap the transfer up this week but now face opposition from New York Cosmos

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Sampdoria’s move for Everton striker Samuel Eto’o has hit a hitch after the Italian club’s president admitted he is unsure who to contact at the Premier League club given that "nobody can figure who is in charge".

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To further complicate the move, reported interest is now coming from New York Cosmos in the United States.

Eto’o had been on the verge of sealing a move to the Serie A on Tuesday after agreeing an 18-month contract. It had been reported that there was a clause in his deal at Goodison Park that allowed him to return to Italy to be closer to his family should a club come calling, but it now appears that an agreement with Everton is yet to be reached.

Eto’o is currently contracted to Everton until 2016, but Sampdoria had hoped to get the deal completed before another club tried to hijack the deal, such as New York Cosmos’ late interest.

Speaking to Sky Italia, Sampdoria president Massimi Ferrero confirmed that there was a large amount of uncertainty surrounding the move for the 33-year-old Cameroonian striker.

"I haven't been working in football for long and can say this is a strange working environment," said Ferrero. "People say one thing and then do another.

"We went to London and then there was a turn of events because nobody can figure out who is in charge at Everton.

"But we are getting to a breakthrough. Eto'o is very eager to come and play at Sampdoria.

"We are down to the last details. What are the chances of the move being completed? Let's be cautious and say 50 per cent."

Sampdoria are determined to strengthen their attack after selling Manolo Gabbiadini to Serie A rivals Napoli. Eto’o would add an undoubted quality, although there have been doubts over his ability to still perform at the highest level as he gets further into a career that has taken him to the likes of Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea.

Sampdoria are currently fourth in Serie A and in the hunt for Champions League qualification, with the Genoa-based club level on points with third place Napoli.