Rafael Benitez is ready to launch an £18m bid to bring Cameroon
striker Samuel Eto'o to Anfield, according to reports in
Spain.
The Barcelona striker has been in top form this season, netting 25
goals from 27 games, but his future has been the subject of
speculation after it was revealed that his contract only has one
year left on it.
Liverpool could swoop for a player whose price tag is increasing by
the game, but may face competition from both Milan clubs who have
shown an interest in the striker in the past.
A source close to Eto'o said in The Sun: "Benitez likes Samuel a
lot. Everything is possible for this summer. It will depend on
Barcelona's results as well if they decide to buy David
Villa.
"Eto'o is not a player to sit on the bench."
Despite impressing in his time at the Nou Camp and landing two La
Liga titles as well as a Champions League trophy, Eto'o's time at
Barcelona has been chequered and he has faced an uncertain future
with new coach Pep Guardiola listening to offers last summer.
Considered to be the source of dressing room discontent, Barcelona
may now choose to cash in on Eto'o before the striker can leave for
free in 2010, although the player has distanced himself from any
transfer talk.
When asked about a potential move to Inter Milan this weekend, he
replied: "I do not know anything about Inter.
"I just lost an important match (against Togo) and I am not here to
talk about my future, because I'm happy at Barcelona."