Manchester City have been working for some time on a deal for Barcelona star Samuel Eto'o, it has been revealed.

The Times says Garry Cook, the chief executive, has spent several weeks putting together a package that he hopes will persuade Eto'o, the Barcelona striker, to move to the City of Manchester Stadium.

With City willing to offer a fee in the region of £25 million for Eto'o, Barcelona would prefer to cash in now rather than lose him for nothing when his contract expires at the end of next season.

Joan Laporta, the Barcelona president, appeared to hint yesterday that Eto'o could leave Spain this summer, although the Cameroon striker, 28, must decide if he is willing to forgo the Champions League for a season at least and accept the riches on offer at City.

"The football market is very dynamic and there might be a surprise because he [Eto'o] is a much-coveted player," Laporta said.