Man City warned only ‘huge’ bid will tempt Inter to sell Eto’o

Manchester City will have to delve deep into their pockets if they are to sign Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto’o, the player’s agent has warned.

City manager Roberto Mancini has reportedly identified Eto’o as one of his primary transfer targets for the summer, but Claudio Vigorelli, who represents Eto’o, has said only a “huge” offer could tempt Inter to allow the 30-year-old forward to leave.

Eto’o scored 21 Serie A goals last season and the Cameroonian was integral to the Nerazzurri’s successes under Jose Mourinho during the 2009/10 campaign.

And with Carlos Tevez expressing his desire to leave Eastlands, Mancini is anxious to bolster the attacking options available to him at Eastlands.

City are 7/2 to win the Premier League title this season but, without their talisman and topscorer Tevez, there is a gap to fill in Mancini’s team.

Financially powerful themselves, Inter are unlikely to sanction a transfer for Eto’o unless City make an offer of at least £30m.

And as Champions League winners in 2010, Inter, who are 20/1 to win the same trophy again this season, will view Eto’o as a major part of their plans for the coming term.

But, boosted by their recent £400m stadium rights deal with Etihad, City would be more than willing to spend the “huge” amount required to lure Eto’o to Manchester.

With the striker now 30 years old, Inter may not have another chance to sell Eto’o for such a significant fee, and City will be hoping their financial firepower will be too strong to withstand.