Everton have now all the cards in hands to sign free agent Samuel Eto’o.

Merseyside rivals Liverpool have reportedly withdraw their interest in landing the former Chelsea striker as AC Milan star Mario Balotelli is closing in on a move to Anfield.

With Costa Rican Bryan Oviedo and Ivoirian Arouna Koné still recovering from long term injuries, Toffees’ boss Roberto Martinez is seriously considering a striking addition to provide solid back-up for Romelu Lukaku, with Eto’o and Manchester United’s Danny Welbeck his two most likely options, as reported by The Express.

“There is a lot of money involved in those two,” Martinez said.

“While the window is open we are looking at anyone who can help us and also looking at our injured players and seeing how they react.

“Bryan Oviedo and Arouna Koné will have a big say on how we end the window and I have an open mind about it.”

And the former Wigan Athletic manager admitted that the 33-year-old Cameroon star remains a good option despite his age, “because every player can contribute in a different way.”

“It is about trying to see what we need in the squad and how we are going to repeat our first half performance against Arsenal over 90 minutes,” Martinez added.