Barcelona would need to sell Eto’o to fund the purchase of Villa, who has confirmed his desire to remain in Spain should he be sold by cash-strapped Valencia, with City able and willing to pay top price for the forward.
Inter Milan are also interested and, unlike City, would be able to offer the three times African Footballer of the year Champions League football.
However, City’s huge spending power since the takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group means they will be able to table a deal that will be difficult to turn down for both the player and the European champions, according to a report in the Times newspaper.
Should Barcelona’s move for Villa progress at pace Eto’o could even be at Eastlands ahead of the club’s pre-season tour of South Africa.
Inter would not be drawn in to a bidding war with City, especially as Eto’o has just one year left on his current deal with Barcelona and would be available to talk to clubs about of free transfer as early as January.
Inter Milan are also interested and, unlike City, would be able to offer the three times African Footballer of the year Champions League football.
However, City’s huge spending power since the takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group means they will be able to table a deal that will be difficult to turn down for both the player and the European champions, according to a report in the Times newspaper.
Should Barcelona’s move for Villa progress at pace Eto’o could even be at Eastlands ahead of the club’s pre-season tour of South Africa.
Inter would not be drawn in to a bidding war with City, especially as Eto’o has just one year left on his current deal with Barcelona and would be available to talk to clubs about of free transfer as early as January.
