Spanish sports newspaper Mundo Deportivo are reporting that Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o is a transfer target for bitter La Liga rivals Real Madrid.
Real’s German coach Bernd Schuster is reportedly keen to add the Cameroonian international forward to his squad as the capital club seek their third successive La Liga crown.
27-year-old Eto’o has been deemed surplus to requirements by new Barcelona boss Pep Guariola and was given permission by Nou Camp officials at the weekend to negotiate a transfer from the club.
Mundo Deportivo said in a front-page report that Schuster and several other managers at Real Madrid feel Eto’o would be the ideal signing because of his “enormous” talent.
Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon is said to be wary of any deal though as he fears his fans would not welcome Eto’o after he was caught on camera in the aftermath of Barcelona’s title win three years ago chanting an offensive tirade against Madrid.
Calderon is also worried that Eto’s will cause “an earthquake” in the dressing room given his reputation for conflict, the newspaper added.
The three-times African player of the year started his career with Real and also trained with their B team.
Eto’o has recently been linked with Chelsea, Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur. He is currently with the rest of the Barcelona squad in Scotland as they begin their pre-season tour against Hibernian on Thursday night.
