Liverpool may sign Samuel Eto'o if Balotelli deal falls through

Liverpool are continuing to consider Samuel Eto'o as a back-up option if Mario Balotelli's move falls through.

Balotelli arrived in England on Friday after the Reds agreed a 16 million-pounds fee with AC Milan. The striker has accepted a significant pay cut to join Liverpool, but manager Brendan Rodgers wants to be absolutely sure that the deal is right for the club before committing to it.

For that reason, Rodgers has refused to close the door on a deal for Eto'o, sources said.

The Cameroon international, 33, has been without a club since Chelsea released him last summer, and is also thought to be interesting Everton.

Liverpool, though, will only pursue a move for Eto'o if they were to pull out of a deal to sign Balotelli.

The Italian forward met Rodgers after undergoing the first part of his medical on Friday, with the second part scheduled for Saturday.

If all goes according to plan, Balotelli is likely to become a Liverpool player early next week.

He is set to be offered a three-year contract, with an option for an extra 12 months after that.

Reports suggest that the forward will be paid a basic salary of between 80,000 pounds and 90,000 pounds, a significant drop on the 160,000 pounds weekly salary he is believed to have been earning at AC Milan.

However, he will be able to increase his salary by adhering to good behaviour clauses stipulated in his contract.

But whatever happens, the 24-year-old will not be available to face his former club Manchester City in the Premier League on Monday, as he has missed the registration deadline for that match.