Samuel Eto'o close to extending stay at Everton

Samuel Eto'o is on the verge of extending his stay at Goodison Park.

The striker will remain beyond this season if he's able to stay fit and trigger a clause in his contract that will add another year to his agreement with Everton.

He's a third of the way to reaching that clause, which requires him to start 15 games for the Merseyside club, and manager Roberto Martinez is already confident in retaining Eto'o.

"It’s just natural he will get another year," Martinez said, courtesy of the Daily Mail. "The option for a second year is based on number of starts, so it will come automatically. All I want is for him to enjoy his football and convey the winning mentality he has to the rest of the team.

"I always thought his period at Everton would be a minimum of two years, because the option reflects that. He could trigger the clause very soon, the way he’s playing. But the clause is not in my mind."

The Cameroonian striker has already appeared as a starter five times this season, with several months of fixtures remaining.

He's also been an important contributor for Everton, recording two goals last weekend to bring his tally to four on the season.

The fact that several clubs around Europe and the Middle East were interested in signing Eto'o during the summer transfer window is irrelevant to Martinez, who stated why he believed the three-time Champions League winner chose Everton.

"He could have chosen any league in the world. He chose Everton because he wants to be successful," Martinez said.

"It doesn’t matter. He’s here and I see him as a gift from the footballing gods, and I am happy for him to enjoy it."