World Kick Off

AC Milan have joined rivals Inter in the quest to prise Samuel Eto'o away from Barcelona and believe that signing the striker would be more important than capturing Ronaldinho.


The surprising move could see the Rossoneri make an enquiry about the Cameroonian goalscorer's asking price, which is believed to be currently in the region of €35m.

Eto'o has stated that he is not keen on leaving Camp Nou this summer, but may reconsider if he is told by the Catalan club that is no longer wanted.

Barça would only take such a big decision if incoming coach Pep Guardiola decided that he needed the money to finance a move for a striker that he prefers.

Milan appear keen to see if there is a possibility of signing Eto'o, but general manager Ariedo Braida admits that it will not be easy.

"We need Ronnie less than Eto'o," he said. "Eto'o is a great player, but it won't be easy because I suspect we'll have to pay a lot of money. Anyway, everything is possible in soccer."

Contacts between the clubs are good after lengthy negotiations over a move for Ronaldinho and current talks that look set to conclude with Gianluca Zambrotta moving to the San Siro.

Eto'o was said to be the target for English side Tottenham Hotspur, but amid all the media reports Barça denied any bid and Spurs said that they were not considering making one.

Ronaldinho looked all set for a move to Italy before it was revealed that Milan felt that the Blaugrana's asking price was too high and Guardiola may now attempt the Brazilian to stay.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com