New Delhi: According to various news sources, Manchester City are making big strides towards signing Samuel Eto'o from Barcelona, just as the Catalans themselves are hot on the heels of David Villa.
The Valencia striker has stressed repeatedly that he aims to remain in Spain, and although Los Che are desperate to keep him, their financial situation means they are almost certain to sell.
Florentino Perez's big-spending Real Madrid were leading the chase but have since eased off, leaving the path clear for Barca to make their move for 'El Guaje'.
However, the European champions are reportedly working off a transfer budget of around €35 million this summer - not enough to nab Villa, apparently - and so it is expected Eto'o will be sacrificed to raise funds.
La Blaugrana have set their price at around €29 million - steep for a player entering the last season of his contract, but no issue for a City side backed by the inexhaustible wealth of the Abu Dhabi United Group.
It seems that Mark Hughes, the Citizens boss, has pegged Eto'o as the ideal addition to a forward line in the midst of what it is expected to be a massive overhaul.
Roque Santa Cruz has already arrived at Eastlands and Carlos Tevez could join him, while Daniel Sturridge is off to Chelsea and Ched Evans, Benjani Mwaruwari, Felipe Caicedo, Valeri Bojinov and Jo could all leave.
Inter have also been keeping track of Eto'o, but it is thought that the prices be being bandied about have turned them off the three-time African Footballer of the Year.
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