The Manchester City Project

On Wednesday Barcelona president Joan Laporta revealed that the Cameroon striker was not returning his calls, another sign that Eto’o has become increasingly unsettled at Camp Nou. Diario claim that Eto’o has kicked his last ball for Barcelona after a “glorious” career at the club that has seen him become one of the best strikers in the clubs history. The player’s agent declared that they wanted an assurance from Pep Guardiola that Eto’o was in his future plans, but that assurance has not materialised. Joan Laporta revealed that the club were looking for a “target striker... ...the players the technical secretary and the coach have asked for.” With discussions continuing regarding a move for David Villa Barcelona are clearly preparing for life without Eto’o – and will cash in on him in order to balance the clubs books.

In today’s article Diario claim that Manchester City, AC Milan and Manchester United are the main possible destinations for Eto’o. The newspaper claims that despite not having Champions League football Manchester City have the finance to satisfy both the player and Barcelona.

AC Milan president Adriano Galliani has let it be known on several occasions to Joan Laporta that he is an admirer of Eto’o and would like him at the club. Adriano Galliani will be meeting Joan Laporta this weekend as part of the MSC Cruceros Indoor Cup (a charity event to benefit victims of the earthquakes in Abruzzi, including Barcelona, AC Milan and Real Madrid). Diario claim that he will enquire about a deal to bring Eto’o to Milan.

The Sun have today claimed that Manchester City have set a 48 hour deadline on the deal to bring Eto’o to city. City’s ultimatum would force Eto’o to decide on his future before AC Milan attempt to turn the players head this weekend.

Manchester United has been linked with the striker however no formal bid has been launched. Diario state that since United haven’t made a formal offer and that AC Milan may not be able to satisfy the player and Barcelona’s financial demands that: “Citizens would be the most viable option of the three”.