Napoli to hijack spurs bid for Samuel Eto’o

Spurs’ hopes of signing Samuel Eto’o on a free transfer have been thrown into doubt after Napoli entered the race to sign the Cameroonian. Rafa Benitez is reportedly plotting a move to gazump Tottenham’s bid to bring former Chelsea striker and current free agent Samuel Eto’o to White Hart Lane.
    According to a report from Italian news provider Tuttosport, Aurelio De Laurentis has been enlisted to help lure the Cameroon star back to Italy, with the Napoli chairman contacting the 33-year-old personally to discuss a potential deal.
    It had been previously thought that Eto’o was keen on remaining in England and testing himself again in the Premier League following a solid season with Chelsea in which he managed 12 goals and a further six assists in 34 first-team appearances.

    Tottenham had been previously linked with a move for the forward but that bid looked in doubt after the north London club turned their attentions to Loic Remy.
    But with the Frenchman closing in on an £8.5 million switch to Liverpool, it would appear that Spurs have rekindled their interest in the ex-Inter Milan star, with fresh reports suggesting the club were weighing up a contract offer in the wake of Emmanuel Adebayor’s illness problems.
    However, Tottenham could now face stiff competition for the forward with Napoli thought to be keen on adding Eto’o to their ranks as they go in search of the Serie A title.
    The 33-year-old thrived during his previous spell in Italy with Inter, scoring 22 goals in 53 games for the Nerazzurri.
    And, despite expressing a desire to remain in England, he could well be open to another move abroad having previously been linked with Besiktas prior to the Turkish club signing Demba Ba.
    With Napoli also able to offer Eto’o the chance to play Champions League football next term, Spurs may have to step up their efforts to land the veteran star.
    The news comes just days after Tottenham were linked with a move for AS Roma youngster Mattia Destro.
Source: hereisthecity.com