Transfer Speculation

Manchester City have made a huge offer for Barca striker Samuel Eto'o which would make him the highest-paid player in Britain.

Reports suggest the Barclays Premier League club have made a £25million bid to the European champions and have already been in contact with Eto'o, who is keen to move to Eastlands.

The deal would see him become one of the best-paid players in the world, second perhaps only to Cristiano Ronaldo when the former Manchester United winger completes his switch to Real Madrid.

Barca president Joan Laporta revealed earlier that he believes the temptation of a mega salary would prove too much for Eto'o.

"Eto'o has a stratospheric offer from City, which would convert him into the best paid player in the world," he told Catalan radio station iCat FM.

"It's starting to become clear that he has this monster offer.

"He wants to stay but an offer like this is very difficult to refuse.

"If Eto'o accepts this stratospheric offer we will have to bring in someone."

Eto'o contributed 36 goals last season as Barca claimed an unprecedented Primera Division, Copa del Rey and Champions League treble.

Speculation has been rife about where the 28-year-old will be next season as, with his contract set to expire next summer, Barca were eager to either tie him to a new deal or cash in on the Cameroon striker.

Meanwhile, Laporta also confirmed that Barca are closing in on the signing of Palmeiras forward Keirrison but admitted the 20-year-old could be shipped out on loan for the first half of the season.

"It's on the point of being formalised," he added. "He will spend the pre-season with us and then (coach) Pep Guardiola will decide who stays."

Reports in Spain suggest Barca could send Keirrison on loan to Valencia as part of a deal to bring David Villa to the Nou Camp