Sunderland in for Samuel Eto'o

Gus Poyet wants former Chelsea man to add experience to Black Cats squad.

Sunderland have joined the race to sign Samuel Eto after reports emerged that contract talks between the Cameroon international and West Ham have broken down.

The former Barcelona striker's agent Claudio Vigorelli had been negotiating a one-year deal with the option of a further year with the Hammers but the deal has fallen short of expectations.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce had been looking at the 33-year-old to boost his striker ranks in the absence of the injured Andy Carroll but now Sunderland are looking to land the former Chelsea man on a free transfer.

Allardyce is still confident of salvaging a deal but with Gus Poyet looking to add experience to his strikeforce the Black Cats boss is now ready to offer the four-time African Player of the Year a contract.

Sunderland, who are 21/10 for a top 10 finish, are desperate for attacking reinforcements but so far their bid to make Fabio Borini's loan move from Liverpool permanent has proved unsuccessful.

Eto'o, who has made 188 appearances for Cameroon, scored nine goals in 21 appearances for Chelsea last term and his eye for goal would certainly aid Poyet's men as they look to improve upon last season's 14th placed finish.

The Indomitable Lions captain has so far turned down lucrative offers from the Middle East and has also rejected the advances of Turkish club Besiktas.

Tottenham are also reportedly in the race for Eto's' signature but Poyet, who could lose Connor Wickham after the striker turned down a new contract at the Stadium of Light, is hopeful of convincing the former Inter striker to make the move to the north-east.