[Pat Murphy]

Barça Set €40m Price For Eto'o

FC Barcelona have apparently begun hawking Samuel Eto'o across Europe, with a price tag of €40m attached to the Cameroonian hero...

Marca controversially claims that one of FCB's biggest motivations for selling the Cameroonian is cold, hard cash. The blaugrana are apparently hurting for money this summer and a bumper transfer fee for one of their prized assets would lessen the pinch considerably.

To this end they have allegedly already begun hawking the striker across Europe for €40m. Although this price may fluctuate over the course of the summer, Eto'o's prestige is such that he will be expected to command a hefty fee, and one far greater than he would next year when he'll have just one year of contract remaining.

However, it remains to be seen whether or not Samuel is himself open to the idea of a move. While he is clearly angry at Barcelona's regression and at reports of his so-called "deliberate" booking to miss the recent Real Madrid game, he may well seek to remain and see out at least one more year of his deal.

On the flip side, such pressures could see him opt to leave early. Sources indicate that Samuel is aware of a smear campaign against him in the press - possibly instigated by agents within Camp Nou - and this could potentially prove to be too much to bear.

It must be pointed out that the above rumours have been published in Marca, which is at least nominally a pro-Real Madrid paper and not one known for its Barcelona leanings. The idea that at least some of these ideas are on flimsy foundations must not be discounted. Nevertheless, rumours have emerged that the player is eager to move to England...

Target Acquired

In any case, though, certain clubs are already thought to be treating the sitaution seriously. Juande Ramos, former Sevilla boss, is said to be eager to bring the hitman to Tottenham Hotspur, with chairman Daniel Levy apparently poised to make a move.

In Italy, Inter could place a bid depending on how Sunday's Scudetto decider goes - should they lose out, the task of replacing coach Roberto Mancini will surely take precedence. Over at AC Milan - who are also close to landing Samuel's fellow Barcelona star, Ronaldinho - the race for fourth place will go a long way towards deciding the size of the summer war-chest.

Eto'o, 27, arrived at Barça from Mallorca back in 2004. He has managed 16 Liga goals this season despite enduring an injury-hit campaign and a recent lean spell.

Goal.com

Goal.com - Barcelona - Barça Set €40m Price For Eto'o


I don't want him to go personally. Whoever comes in to replace him won't be better than him.

Only decent options are Benzema who has the potential to be or Villa who is only a bit less rated.