Dutch giants Ajax are hoping to fend off Premier League interest in Samuel Eto'o and add the striker to their books.
The 33-year-old frontman is available as a free agent after reaching the end of a one-year deal at Chelsea.
West Ham and Tottenham are reported to have explored the possibility of keeping the Cameroon international in England.
They could, however, miss out on Eto'o's signature to the reigning Eredivisie champions.
Ajax are famed for their production of home-grown talent but will always keep the door open to experienced recruits who could benefit the stars of tomorrow in Amsterdam.
Eto'o is considered to be too good an opportunity to pass up, with sporting director Marc Overmars revealing that an agreement is close following positive discussions.
He told Voetbal International: "Samuel seemed very hungry to play for Ajax.
"He is fit and has a great drive to succeed once again.
"We don't want to block the growing process of our talents like (Arkadiusz) Milik and (Richairo) Zivkovic, but if it is possible to sign a world-class player like Eto'o, then why not? It will be fantastic."
