Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Anzhi Makhachkala striker Samuel Eto’o, the Mail Online understands.
The Cameroon international is expected to sign a one-year deal worth around £7m on Thursday, in a move that will see him reunited with manager Jose Mourinho, who he played under during Inter Milan’s treble winning 2009/10 campaign.
Eto’o will also take a £10m-a-year pay cut to join up with the Blues, after Anzhi had made him the best paid player in world football when they signed him two years ago.
The deal all but confirms the end of the clubs pursuit of Wayne Rooney, who looks likely to remain with Manchester United.
Elsewhere, former Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has confirmed that he will not be retiring, the Daily Star understands.
It had been thought that the 34 year old was ready to call time on his career following the death of his close friend and agent Eric Manasse.
Meanwhile, while the Blues wait to see who they will be drawn against in the group stages of the Champions League, the club have discovered their opponents in the third round of the League Cup.
Jose Mourinho’s men will travel to Swindon Town in the week commencing 23rd September.