Sampdoria sporting director Carlo Osti has claimed that a deal for veteran striker Samuel Eto'o has "almost been finalised".
The 33-year-old is reportedly willing to accept a 40 per cent pay cut in order to return to Italy and has already reached an agreement with the Italian club to sign an 18-month contract.
However, the former Inter Milan man is still to reach an agreement with Everton to finalise the move, with the Premier League club trying to find a replacement for the player before any deal is concluded.
But the Sampdoria sporting director is confident of striking a deal soon in order to bring the striker back to Italy.
"Our agreement with Eto'o has almost been finalised", Osti was quoted as saying by the BBC.
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"It might take a day more than expected, but we are moderately optimistic and hope he can arrive as soon as possible."
Eto'o joined the Toffees at the beginning of this season and has a contract with the club that runs until June 2016.
The former Cameroon international has managed 20 appearances for Everton this season, having scored four goals and has also provided his team-mates with two equally important assists.
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