Eto'o ready to return

Cameroon international Samuel Eto'o is expected to take full advantage of a clause enabling him to turn his back on Mallorca and return to Real.

Eto'o left the Bernabeu last year in a $US 5m loan deal for Real Mallorca but a clause in his contract states that he can return to the Bernabeu after the temporary spell has been completed for the same amount.

The striker has enjoyed a sensational season at Mallorca, emerging as the team's top scorer with nine goals in a campaign that sees the Balearic boys currently occupy third place in La Liga.

However, Wednesday saw the player reveal he is keen to return to Madrid, when he said: "My plan has always been to return to Real Madrid. I want to show that I can be the number nine that they're looking for."

Certainly, Real Madrid's technical staff feel that Eto'o's stint at Mallorca has served to mature the striker and he is now ready to join the top flight.

The 'Madrilenos' are also cautiously tracking two other forwards - Roma's Vincenzo Montella and Leeds United's Mark Viduka.