Real to sell Eto'o?

Real Madrid could end up selling striker Samuel Eto'o, whose loan spell at Mallorca is due to end on June 30.

The Cameroon star has enjoyed an excellent year at Mallorca, having netted nine league goals for the islanders this season. Real have been considering incorporating Eto'o back into the side but now it seems that technical staff have decided against taking back the player.

While The Madrilenos are aware that Eto'o is a talented player, his conflictive personality could be a negative point in the Madrid dressing room.

Team coach Vicente Del Bosque wants to ensure that things run smoothly during what will be the club's centenary year and does not want any trouble from players that will not be guaranteed a regular place in the starting 11.

Eto'o rejected a move to Deportivo last summer with the idea that he would get more opportunities at Mallorca. But now that his loan period is coming to an end, he will not want to suddenly find himself on the sub's bench for a lengthy part of the season.

Real are aware that many clubs in Spain are interested in signing Eto'o including neighbours Atletico Madrid, who are set to employ Mallorca coach, Luis Aragones if they are promoted back into the Primera Liga in June.

Real will pay Mallorca $US 6m to recover Eto'o but will be able to double their money by selling him on in the close-season transfer markets.