Transfer news: Samuel Eto’o says final goodbyes at Anzhi before completing deal with Chelsea - reports

Reports in Russia claim deal could be finalised as soon as today

Samuel Eto'o scored 36 goals in 73 appearances for Anzhi (GETTY IMAGES)

Samuel Eto’o has said goodbye to his team-mates and club staff at Anzhi Makhachkala as his move to Chelsea nears completion, according to reports in Russia.

Russian newspaper, Izvestia, claims that the 32-year-old’s agent is due in London today to finalise the deal with the Stamford Bridge club, worth £4m a season. The Cameroonian’s former team, Internazionale, are also interested, but will not offer more than £3m per season. Qatari side Al-Gharafa, however, could come in with a late offer.

Eto'o had been Chelsea's Plan B if a move for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney did not materialise this summer, and with Rooney now looking likely to remain at Old Trafford the west Londoners have reportedly pushed through the transfer for Eto'o.

The striker is currently the highest paid player in the world, on £300k per week at Anzhi, and the Russian side have made him, like the rest of their squad, available because of the financial crisis at the club.

Eto’o spoke earlier in the summer of his desire to be reunited with Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, with whom he won the treble under at Inter in 2010.

“There is only one Jose Mourinho,” Eto’o said about his former manager.

“I have played under a lot of great coaches – but there is no other character in the game like Jose.

“He is one of the best coaches in the world – and we had a lot of success together at Inter Milan. I would like to have the chance to play under him again – because it is never boring when Jose is around.

“Of course Chelsea are a great team – and when we have all the offers on the table then I will discuss with my agent and see what my next step is.”