Manchester City are preparing a £20 million bid for Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o.

The Mail on Sunday says there is now a determined impetus in the Eastlands boardroom and they are hoping the arrival of Barcelona star Eto'o on a £120,000-a-week deal would inspire a major challenge for the game's top prizes.

Top clubs all over Europe have been alerted by speculation that the 28-year-old Cameroon striker has an uncertain future at Barcelona because of his wage demands and a highly-publicised rift with coach Pep Guardiola.

Liverpool have left the way open for City after deciding they cannot afford him, despite manager Rafa Benitez's desire to link him with Fernando Torres.