Samuel Eto'o latest: West Ham in talks with former Chelsea striker - reports

Sam Allardyce has opened negotiations with the Cameroon captain

West Ham are talking to Samuel Eto'o as they prepare a move for the former Barcelona and Chelsea striker.

The Daily Mail report that Hammers boss Sam Allardyce held a meeting with the 33-year-old's agent in London on Wednesday.

Allardyce is desperate to bring in another striker after Andy Carroll suffered another injury - the Englishman is set to miss the four next months as he requires ankle surgery.

Eto'o is a free agent after he was released by Chelsea last month. He spent just a year at Stamford Bridge, but was Jose Mourinho's first choice for much of the season, scoring 12 goals in all competitions, including a hat-trick against Manchester United.

He is thought to be keen on a stay in London, with Queens Park Rangers and Arsenal also linked with a deal, but West Ham are ready to offer him a one-year deal.

Andy Carroll will be out until December with an ankle injury (Getty Images)

Eto'o, who has scored more than 300 club goals and won four League titles and the Champions League three times, also has lucrative offers on the table from the Middle East.

He is expected to make a decision next week.