La Liga - Milan to bid for Eto'o

Eurosport - Wed, 06 Jun 16:04:00 2007

La Liga - AC Milan have confirmed that they will bid for Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o this summer.

FOOTBALL 2007 Liga Barcelone Eto'o - 0

The European champions are hoping to strengthen their ageing squad, and have been linked for months with a move for Barca playmaker Ronaldinho.

But Rossoneri chief Adriano Galliani confirmed on Tuesday that it's his strike partner Eto'o that they are hoping to sign.

He told Gazzetta Dello Sport: "We will ask Barca about Eto'o but we don't know whether he's for sale. We'll look to open negotiations once the Spanish season is over on June 17.

"He's a player that appeals to both myself and our coach Carlo Ancelotti."

Milan have already confirmed that Andriy Shevchenko will not be returning to the San Siro this summer, so it would appear that Eto'o is now their number one target to beef up their attack.

He could form a devastating strike partnership with one of his former rivals in Spain, Ronaldo.

The news that the Cameroon hitman is wanted by Milan could also deliver another blow to their defeated Champions League final opponents, Liverpool.

Rafa Benitez has coveted Eto'o for much of the season, and identified the player as one of his top transfer targets.

One player who could make way for the Barcelona forward is Italy striker Alberto Gilardino.

Galliani confirmed that the club would listen to offers of 24 million Euros (around £17million) for the former Parma star.

He has been linked with a move to Juventus, while there have been reports in Italy of a cross city swap deal for Adriano from local rivals Inter.

Milan are also interested in Real Madrid's Brazilian midfield enforcer Emerson.

- TONY MABERT -

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