Inter Milan are keen to open talks with Barcelona over a cash-plus-player swap deal for Samuel Eto'o.

The Cameroon international is entering the final 12 months of his existing contract and refusing to consider new terms with Barca until the summer.

Mediaset says Inter intend to ask Barca to name their price for Eto'o when they come knocking for wing-back Maxwell, whose representatives have already been in talks with Nou Camp officials about a move.

Inter president Massimo Moratti will be key to any deal, with Eto'o seeking near double his £4 million salary to quit Barca in the summer.