Eto'o Close To New Deal

The Cameroonian is to be rewarded for his on-field performances with a bumper new deal... Barcelona are preparing to open talks with Samuel Eto'o's agent about a contract extension, having decided that they want to keep the striker after his impressive start to the season. The Blaugrana want to start their renewal plans with the Cameroonian international and tie him down to a new deal before moving on to Rafa Marquez, Carles Puyol and Victor Valdes. Eto'o has stated that he has made up his mind about what he wants to do next and while he has not made that public, Sport believe that he will put pen-to-paper on a new contract at Camp Nou. Having scored 23 goals in 22 league appearances this term, the 27-year-old has convinced Pep Guardiola and the Barca board that he should be kept and to forget plans to sign a costly replacement. While the Catalan club have been linked with David Villa and Karim Benzema, they know that they already have one of the best goalscorers in Europe settled at the club. Now talks can begin with Eto'o's representatives. It is believed that the player will tell them to ask for a four-year extension to keep him at Barcelona until 2014. That is what the club also want, but it will be the players' demands of €9 million-per-season that may prove a sticking point in bringing the parties together. A contract until 2014 would mean that Eto'o could then move to Real Mallorca, the club where he has stated that he wants to finish his career.