Manchester City REJECTED the chance to sign new Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto'o, it has been revealed.

Writing for his blog, guillembalague.com, respected Spanish journo Guillem Balague revealed: "There are the ones that got away, who did not fall under the spell of City's wealth.

"Xabi Alonso was not interested, preferring Real Madrid (City will pursue a passing central midfielder once they land Lescott); David Villa told his agent he didn't want to leave Spain and Eto'o wound up at Inter - although, for the record, it was City who eventually pulled out of the deal once their self imposed 48 hour deadline had passed and Eto'o had sent four text messages to Hughes pleading for more time."