Everton striker Samuel Eto'o set for Sampdoria move

Everton's Samuel Eto'o celebrates after scoring his teams third goal during their English Premier League soccer match against Burnley at Turf Moor in Burnley

Everton have allowed Samuel Eto’o to join Sampdoria – and saved £6million in wages on the Cameroon striker.

Eto’o was due to get a one-year extension to the 12-month deal he signed last summer once he had played 15 matches for the Merseysiders.

He has made 12 appearances so far and the reluctance of Everton boss Roberto Martinez to keep a player who earns £80,000-a-week has enabled the 33-year-old to broker a deal that will take him back to Italy, where he helped Inter Milan win the European Cup in 2010.

Legend Eto’o has agreed to take a significant wage cut and will bank just over £25,000-a-week in Italy.

He has agreed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Serie A club and is expected to meet Sampdoria officials in Paris on Sunday to seal the deal.

He will undergo a medical in Genoa - Sampdoria's hometown - on Monday.

The Italian club have also promised Eto’o a coaching role once his playing days are over after becoming aware that Brazilian club Santos were preparing a rival bid.

Should things not work out in Italy, Eto’o has offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Qatar on the table.