EVERTON are looking to sign veteran striker Samuel Eto'o as reports claim the former Chelsea hitman has rejected an approach from Liverpool.

Eto'o was released on a free transfer at the end of the season after Chelsea decided against renewing his one-year-contract, and the ex-Barcelona star is currently on the search for a new club.

The Cameroonian has a number of options available to him, including an offer from Dutch champions Ajax, but is also wanted by Liverpool and Everton. Brendan Rodgers is still in the market for a new striker after seeing a move for Queens Park Rangers poacher Loic Remy fall through.

Kop idol Luis Suarez was sold to Barcelona in a mega-money deal, and Rodgers only has Daniel Sturridge and former Southampton man Rickie Lambert at his disposal.

The Anfield boss had been hoping to secure Eto'o's signature on a short-term deal, but any hopes of a move could be over after the 33-year-old rejected the offer on the table.

That has put Merseyside rivals Everton on alert, with Roberto Martinez keen to partner Eto'o with club-record signing Romelu Lukaku.

It is believed that Liverpool will return with an improved offer for Eto'o, but the Toffees will be hoping to persuade him to ply his trade at Goodison Park.