Chelsea are considering a surprise move for Cameroon veteran Samuel Eto'o as back-up in case their bid for Wayne Rooney fails, the Daily Express reports.

They are still confident of landing Rooney from Manchester United – he missed yesterday’s Community Shield win over Wigan and has been training with the reserves.

Chelsea are preparing a third bid for him, of about £28million, and a source close to the club told the Daily Express: “Chelsea are sure Rooney will join.”

But Jose Mourinho has in the past 48 hours made enquiries about Anzhi Makhachkala striker Eto’o as a possible bargain £5m back-up.

Mourinho tried to sign the striker in his first spell at Chelsea. Eto’o, who played under Mourinho at Inter Milan, is 32 and has been made available by the Russian club, who have hit a financial crisis.