Source: Telegraph
Manchester City move for Samuel Eto'o and Carlos Tevez
Eto'o has been one of the most prolific and respected strikers in Europe over the last three seasons, in which he has twice scored in successful Champions League final appearances for Barcelona – the first against Arsenal in 2006 and more recently in Rome in their 2-0 win over Manchester United.
The player has also earned a host of individual awards including being named African footballer of the year three times, the Champions League's best striker in 2006 and in 2005 he came third on the list for Fifa's world player of the year award.
Although Eto'o has enjoyed continual success at Barcelona, his strong, principled personality has often led him in to conflict with the authorities and City are confident that he can be persuaded to move.
According to a report in the Daily Mail newspaper, Eto'o has been convinced of the merits of Manchester City's vision for the future – as well as an expected hike in his wages were he to make the move.
City believe that a figure of around £20 million will be sufficient to tempt Barcelona in to parting with one of their 'holy trinity' of forwards who has been so effective alongside Thierry Henry and Lionel Messi this season.
Barcelona, though making public noises about wanting to retain the 28-year-old, have privately conceded that Eto'o can leave should a significant offer be received.
Joan Laporta, Barcelona's president, while stressing that Eto'o has a contract with the Spanish and European champions, said: 'The market is very dynamic and there could be surprises. He's a wanted man and we know he'll receive offers.'
Eto'o has one year left on his contract though it has been suggested he favours a move away from Spain as, under the country's tax laws, he is set to accrue a huge bill should he complete a fourth year of working there.
Should the move come off the glamour and significance of Eto'o's arrival would exceed that of Robinho's signing from Real Madrid last summer and lay down a marker for the rest of manager Mark Hughes' transfer dealings during this window.
Hughes hopes to complete the £15 million signing of Joleon Lescott from Everton and the £25 million move for Carlos Tevez, who will become a free agent at the end of June, within the next couple of weeks.
