Samuel Eto'o latest: Everton close to sealing two-year deal for the former Chelsea striker

33-year-old had been linked with a move to Liverpool

Steaua Bucharest defender Iasmin Latovlevici (right) battles with Chelsea's Samuel Eto'o (left) (Getty images)

Samuel Eto'o is close to joining Everton on a two-year deal, according to reports.

The 33-year-old has been a free agent after being released by Chelsea at the end of last season; during the summer he has been linked with moves to Arsenal and Liverpool, but the £16m arrival of Mario Balotelli ruled them out.

The BBC report that talks between Eto'o and Everton are ongoing but a deal could be finalised in time for Eto'o to make his debut against his former side on Saturday.

Eto'o scored 12 goals in all competitions for Chelsea last season, with nine of those coming in the Premier League.

Roberto Martinez has already moved for one Chelsea player this summer, breaking the club transfer record to bring Romelu Lukaku in on a permanent deal after his impressive loan spell last season.

With Arouna Kone a long-term injury concern, Roberto Martinez is short of strikers - Steven Naismith is the only other player capable of playing up front.

Eto'o has enjoyes a storied career, winning the Champions League three times and picking up four league titles with Barcelona and Inter Milan.