Manchester City manager Mark Hughes is still keen on signing Samuel Eto’o, despite Barcelona offering the £25m-rated Cameroon striker a new contract.
“There appears to be a situation between the player and his club that we cannot be part of,” said Hughes.”
“We have to sit back and see what develops. Patience is a word that has been mentioned – we may need some.”
Eto’o, who has been at the Nou Camp since 2004, can leave on a free transfer next summer, and agent Josep Maria Mesalles said it is only fair that Barcelona let the player know where he figures in their future plans.
“The player wants to stay and complete the last year of his contract – if Barca don’t want him they should say so, so we can pursue the player’s future in a professional manner,” he said.
“The club said coach Pep Guardiola did not want him. Guardiola has not told the player he is not required.”
“If they have a serious offer from Manchester City, and if they want to continue with this negotiation we could be interested.
“We haven’t spoken to City but if Barca have reached an agreement it shouldn’t be that difficult to reach a deal.”
The Spanish club’s president Joan Laporta claimed City have made Eto’o a “stratospheric offer” to join them.
Reports have suggested the Eastlands club have told Eto’o he could earn wages of up to £250,000 per week, which would make him the highest-paid player in the world.
Eto’o has since scored more than 100 goals in his five seasons with the club.
He helped the Catalan side win a treble trophy haul of the Spanish league title, domestic cup and Champions League in the 2008-2009 campaign.
Carlos Tevez has also been linked with a move to Eastlands following the end of his loan spell at Manchester United.
“I am a huge admirer of Carlos,” Hughes said. “Everyone is aware of his situation and we are interested, as we are in all top quality players. We will have to see what happens but these are very early days.”
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