Football news

Manchester City have made a big offer to sign Samuel Eto'o from Barcelona, the Catalan club's president Joan Laporta said yesterday.

Eto'o, 28, has just one year left on his contract at the Nou Camp and is tipped to leave the European champions this summer.

Big-spending City have already recruited Roque Santa Cruz from Blackburn but manager Mark Hughes appears determined to add Eto'o to his talented squad.

Laporta claims City's offer would make Eto'o the highest paid player in world football.

"Eto'o has a stratospheric offer from City, which would convert him into the best paid player in the world," Laporta said.

"It's starting to become clear that he has this monster offer. He wants to stay but an offer like this is very difficult to refuse."

Inter's Vieira edges closer to PSG

Patrick Vieira is close to end his stay at Italy champions Inter and join Paris St German in the Ligue 1 next season.

Vieira, 33, was hit by long-term injuries last season. He no longer figures in Jose Mourinho's long-term plans. PSG are willing to pay between £6m and £7m for the France international who joined Inter from Juventus in 2006.

At PSG, Vieira could team up with his close friend Claude Makelele but the obstacle in the way of a deal is Vieira's contract, which is way too high for the French club. However, Vieira seems willing to take a pay cut and leave Inter despite still having a year to run on his current deal.

Van Persie not leaving Arsenal

Robin van Persie brushed aside rumours that he was on the verge of leaving Arsenal after five years and insisted he wants to stay at the club.

Van Persie, formerly of Feyenoord, is yet to sign a new contract despite a series of talks over the last few months. Manchester United have been linked with a shock move for the forward, but the Dutchman plans to stay at the Emirates Stadium.

"I'm not in negotiations with any other club, just Arsenal," Van Persie said.

"I want to become the best player in the world. My career will only be a success when I consider myself the best. Anything less won't do."

Real offer €32m for Benzema - Marca

Real Madrid have offered €32m for Lyon striker Karim Benzema after switching their attention to the France international from Valencia forward David Villa, Marca sports daily reported yesterday.

Marca said the French have yet to respond to Real's offer but last week Bernard Lacombe, adviser to Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas, told Marca that "nothing is impossible and if we receive a good offer we will not close the door to anyone."

As well as a cash deal, media reports say Real and Lyon could look at a part-exchange in the shape of either Real's Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar or his compatriot, winger Arjen Robben.

Ronaldinho still has role to play

Ronaldinho, the former World and European Player of the Year who was left out of Brazil's squad for the Confederations Cup, still has a role to play for Brazil, coach Dunga said.

Dunga omitted the out-of-form playmaker for both Brazil's recent World Cup qualifiers and the tournament in South Africa. But he told reporters that Ronaldhino could yet return to the squad.

"I would like him to come back," said Dunga. "But whether he will come back I don't know. I think you must address that question to him directly. He obviously has that responsibility on his shoulders, it depends more on him than on me."

Dzeko turns down Milan offer

Edin Dzeko, who inspired Wolfsburg to the Bundesliga title last season, has decided to stay in Germany and turn down a transfer to the Serie A with Milan.

The 23-year-old Bosnia striker was the San Siro giants' transfer target this summer but the Germany champions have remained adamant not to make the player available on the transfer market.

Dzeko held talks with Wolfsburg officials over the weekend and they have informed him he will be going nowhere.

"I am staying at Wolfsburg," Dzeko said.

"But I am not happy. I would like to join Milan, but I am tied to a contract and the club have decided not to release me."

Wolfsburg's decision not to part with Dzeko means Milan will probably step up their interest in Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor.

De Silvestri staying says Lazio's Tare

Igli Tare, the Lazio team manager, said the club will not part with defender Lorenzo De Silvestri.

De Silvestri, 21, is a home-grown product and became a first-team regular last season after a series of fine showings prompting the interest of several clubs including the ambitious Genoa who are in search of a right-back.

Tare said: "The intention of my club is that of keeping the player, while De Silvestri, up until now, hasn't expressed his desire to leave."

"There aren't any negotiations in progress with Genoa, but the relationship between the two clubs is still very good."