Barca management have been preparing themselves to go this season with the Cameroon international with little concrete interest arriving since the start of preseason training.

But Sport says Roma have tabled an opening bid of £20 million for Eto'o and while Barca are seeking closer to £25 million, they're ready to enter serious negotiations over the player's sale.

Jose Maria Mesalles, Eto'o's agent, is aware of Roma's bid and has been offered personal terms worth £5 million-a-year - which falls well short of the £8 million-a-year the striker is seeking. However, like Barca, Mesalles is willing to continue talks.

Barca are keen to finalise a deal before they have to submit their Champions League squad list on August 5.