Man City very nearly hijacked neighbours United’s bid for DImitar Berbatov last season, but news has now come in that United are willing to challenge their derby rivals for the signature of Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o.
Sir Alex Ferguson has plenty of money to splash out after Cristiano Ronaldo’s world record transfer to Real Madrid, and is looking to lure another world class forward to the Threatre of Dreams after failing to land Karim Benzema. United have already signed Michael Owen on a free, and reports say that Eto’o would be prepared to have a cut in his wages to join the current Premier League champions.
City have made no secret of their interest in Eto’o, and even submitted a “monster bid” for the former Mallorca striker- rumoured to be somewhere around the £25m mark. But City’s inconsistent performances last season have not impressed Eto’o, and the Cameroonian is having second thoughts about joining a “mid table” side.
Barcelona have offered Eto’o a two year extension to his contract without an increase in pay, but he is yet to sign a new deal at Camp Nou.