Another name has been struck off Tottenham’s summer shopping list, as Real Mallorca have told Glenn Hoddle to forget a swoop for Samuel Eto’o.
The Cameronn striker’s agent said Spurs’ approach was snubbed by the Spaniards – and the Londoners are now reported to have turned their attention to Real Madrid’s Fernando Morientes.
The moves for Eto’o and Morientes come after the daring but unsuccessful raid Rivaldo.
Eto’o, who starred in Cameroon’s three World Cup games, joined Mallorca from Real Madrid last summer on a four-year contract.
He scored half-a-dozen goals in the Primera Division last season, arousing Hoddle’s interest before the World Cup.
Eto’o’s agent, Willie McKay, claims Hoddle’s fresh approach last week was rejected due to Madrid’s 50 per cent sell-on clause in his contract.
He said: « Samuel first met Glenn Hoddle in Madrid three months ago.
« He liked Hoddle and was very keen on a move but when Spurs made an enquiry to Mallorca a week ago they were told he was not for sale, as Mallorca must give 50 per cent of any transfer this season to Real Madrid.
« Next year they’ll be able to sell him and keep it all but if he was sold for £10million this year, £5million would got to Madrid.
« The Mallorca chairman has asked Samuel to stay for another year, until June 2003, so they can sell him then.
« Spurs are very keen on him but I don’t think they’ll get him this year.
« But Samuel actually said to Christian Ziege at the World Cup, when Cameroon played Germany, that he hoped he’d be in his team next year. »
Eto’o will also qualify for a Spanish passport next summer, meaning he does not have to worry about work permit applications in any future transfers in Europe.
